Thought Provoking Poets & Writers
Poetry, like many forms of expression can be descriptive, reflective, can be
obviously ripe with meaning, or leave you scratching your head in puzzlement.
When the poem Warning, by Jenny Joseph circulated like wild fire it was because
many women connected with the line "When I am an old woman I shall wear
purple/With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me." Whether or not time
decrees this poem a literary masterpiece or not, it touched the spirit of many
women who were looking for an expression of a deep urge from within. How many
students have studied the poem Red Wheelbarrow, by William Carlos Williams "so
much depends/upon/a red wheel/barrow/glazed with rain/water/beside the
white/chickens" and puzzled over its meaning? If you are new to poetry there are
many resources available for you to connect with this very important form of
expression. HBO runs a weekly series Def Poetry Jam, which is also available on
DVD. Bill Moyers ran a couple of PBS specials about poetry. The Language of Life
is available as an audiobook, hardcover book or videotape.
Poetry Portal
Inspiration
Like all art, poetry is inspired by just about anything. Topical inspiration usually
occurs when there is a thought, feeling or experience associated with a certain
topic. Love is one of the most written about topics, because most of us have had
enough exposure that drives us to expression or to look for expression. Keeping
notepaper handy, or writing in a journal or blog can be the laboratory for topical
inspiration. Immersion in the world of poetry through reading, audiobooks, movies
or poetry readings can demonstrate the art of expression, juicy lines or phrases
that can be a jumping-off point.
The Main Gallery in Redwood City, California designed an art exhibition, "The
Poetic Image," collaborating with poets to increase audiences and broaden artistic
expression. Painters and sculptors created pieces based on poems and poets
wrote poems based on artistic pieces. The resulting works broadened appreciation
for both types of artistic expression, and served as inspiration for future
collaborations. The Main Gallery also serves as a monthly meeting facility for the
Not Yet Dead Poet's Society, which meets on the 1st Wednesday of every month
with a featured reader followed by an open mike.
occurs when there is a thought, feeling or experience associated with a certain
topic. Love is one of the most written about topics, because most of us have had
enough exposure that drives us to expression or to look for expression. Keeping
notepaper handy, or writing in a journal or blog can be the laboratory for topical
inspiration. Immersion in the world of poetry through reading, audiobooks, movies
or poetry readings can demonstrate the art of expression, juicy lines or phrases
that can be a jumping-off point.
The Main Gallery in Redwood City, California designed an art exhibition, "The
Poetic Image," collaborating with poets to increase audiences and broaden artistic
expression. Painters and sculptors created pieces based on poems and poets
wrote poems based on artistic pieces. The resulting works broadened appreciation
for both types of artistic expression, and served as inspiration for future
collaborations. The Main Gallery also serves as a monthly meeting facility for the
Not Yet Dead Poet's Society, which meets on the 1st Wednesday of every month
with a featured reader followed by an open mike.
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