Views through the other eye...
You have already read about my entry into poetry on the other page. So you might be wondering how can one establish in a "hobby" just like that...
I like to present this fact that I am claiming to write poetry, as an incentive to anyone looking for a hobby to keep one occupied in free time. I must emphasise that, by saying so, poetry is something for anyone to try. Not at all.
This is what I am learning the hard way. I have several hurdles to negotiate. The first and foremost is the lack of sufficient contacts who are native English speakers. I have my mentor, Michel. He is very well versed in languages, poetry, literature and art. He is the sole source of inspiration. There is also my Dutch friend: Robert, who is a published author. He has several published collections to his credit, all in English. I also have a friend in England: Bob, with whom I exchange ideas and poems and I rely on him on contentious constructions.
Then there are the books. I have come across a number of very good books on poetry. Some were introduced by Michel. The others, I have bumped into them quite accidentally in bookshops. I will list them below. They could help you too.
Then I became a member of The Poetry Society in London. That provides me a constant stream of contemporary poetry, and an insight into the current poetry scene. It helps a great deal.
In my case, books seem to have little influence on my writings. I am quite aware of the orthodox rules, definitions, styles and so on. But, I am a person, by nature, who is extremely reluctant to live by rules. It shows in my writings, I think. I write free verse. First I try to emphasise on the "message", and then, because of my love of music, I place almost equal emphasis is on "music" in everything I write.
As Michel says, write directly from your heart, as he does when he paints. I see the truth in what he says - the moment I begin to think in terms of technical niceties, I lose track, and in my opinion, the writing loses its lustre.
What shall I write about? That was also a big question at the beginning. Then, the advice was to write everything that comes to my mind. Follow the classic practice: carry a notebook wherever you go. Notepads began to fill, but like the proverbial wheat, we had to throw out lots of chaff, which were filed as for possible future use.
I like writing by nature. That might explain, at least partly, why this Web site. Since I took up poetry, I have written quite a lot. At the beginning, as with every beginner, I churned out a lot of doggerels. Michel used to sit through with them very patiently. It was many many months later that I did pen something, which made him sit up straight - a couple of lines - that was all. I can remember him saying: that is where you should be going.
I started writing poetry in October 2006. I scribbled the first version of the above in August 2007. The seventh version, I did in April 2008. Who knows how many more revisions it will go through. The title is "Lovingly". Here are those lines.
Here are a few extracts from my notepad. The list will grow...
We have "poetry sessions" whenever Michel can take time off from his paintings. Sessions usually begin with a good grumble on the goings on of the world. I lay tea and biscuits. I present my "creations", which he rips to pieces. Many return for further work. Since he is not a native English speaker, we have lengthy arguments about phrases and grammar. We usually refer to Bob for arbitration. If something passes his scrutiny, the day is celebrated with a glass of wine.
Me, Michel and Robert meet regularly to discuss poetry and other things. Even if I don't produce anything earth shattering, poetry has opened up an entirely new opening to life. Now I view everything from a different angle. There is much pleasure to be drawn from these "alternate" views.
Also, I have come across the works of famous poets. Although I may not enjoy every one of their works, there are a few that has fired up my imaginations, and appear to stay very close to my heart. I will list a few here…
Books I use:|
The Ode Less Travelled Unlocking the Poet Within By Stephen Fry ISBN:9780099509349 |
This book is the best for people like me, who are starting from scratch.
It is the most complete technical guide I have seen. It is written in
the usual witty "Fry" style, and it is most readable. There are many
exercices, and his technique makes the subject look so simple to learn
and enjoyable too.
Highly recommended. |
|
In the Palm of Your Hand The Poet's Portable Workshop By Steve Kovit ISBN:0-88448-149-2 |
It is introduced as A lively and illuminating guide for the practicing poet, and that is it. Yes, this should follow Fry, in my opinion. Highly recommended. |
|
How to Read a Poem And fall in love with poetry By Edward Hirsch ISBN:0-15-100419-6 |
This book is definitely for the advanced craftsman. But, that should not deter learners from reading it. It goes very deep into analysing poems in great detail. Many examples are given. If not for anything else, one should read this for the sake of enriching one's vocabulary.
Highly recommended. |
My invitation to you is: please start today. There is nothing to lose!!