Martial Pretentiousness

There are things in this world that continue without sense of comprehension. Poetry is one of these things.

Some names ring truly synonymous with good poetry; names like Nikki Giovanni, Langston Hughes, W.B. Yeats, Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, et al. There are millions of other simply mediocre poets, and more than a few bad ones (I'm looking at you, Jewel, I want my 10 bucks back). But what does it take to be a good poet?

What is good poetry? Is good poetry only recognized because it is universally accepted as such? How can you take yourself seriously when you write poetry? I'll be honest, I've never been able to write poetry and say "This is exactly how I feel" because I always end up with "That's just fucking ridiculous."

Poetry is supposed to be an inner exploration of your feelings, but what if you don't like those feelings? Why would you keep them? How does one turn these things into a song?

When you read a poem, does it matter who it is by? Does knowing it is by increase the enjoyability of the poem? Does that affect your interpretation? Why do I ask so many questions?


It was my way.
I had a million miles to
go. My way.

I was on my way.
I didn't stop for her, but
she caught my eye. I slowed.

I am on the way.
Only the next mile matters. I'll see
You there.

What do you think?

(This post was inspired by a late night decision to visit a Barnes and Noble by my wife to collect a book of poetry by Hardy. I apologize for the serious nature of this post and promise not to do this again today. Please don't sick Jeremy's dad on me.)