"A poem is a form of refrigeration that stops language going bad." – Peter Porter
Well, this is a kind of comic quote, but it’s a good response to those who say poetry should avoid big words, unusual words, obscure and archaic words, and words you wouldn’t use in conversation. There are no “off-limit” words, and even words that some consider overused or “too poetic,” like shards or palm fronds, have their place in some poems. A good poem has its own integrity, and decides which words it needs, and makes those words feel at home, and still wanted in the world.
For example: How can it be ... and ... Crushed Cargo ... and ... Copperopolis ... and ... Dear Departed ... and ... Light Outside This Window ... and ... Simile, Analogy
Thursday, May 31, 2007
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3 comments:
Sarah, really like the way your dealing with the quotes challenge -it's great to be able to savour each one and thanks for the added delight of finding poems that support the quote - makes this into a real learning experience.
And happy birthday to your daughter - she is one cool-looking 11 year old.
Great poetry links, thanks!
Good quotation, Sarah, and I enjoyed the links.
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