writing poetry

4 Oct 2016

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Realizing You Are a Poet

People often tell me they cannot write poetry. They say they do not know how. They say they do not think that way…whatever “that way” is. These people are wrong. If you think you cannot write poetry, here is proof you definitely can.

Poetry Is Not What You Think It Is

Poetry isn’t one thing. There’s a dictionary definition, of course, but that doesn’t encompass all of what poetry is.

The definition of poetry is also a prime candidate for subjective or personal interpretation. For example, my definition of poetry goes something like this:

Poetry is condensed language

Think about that for a second. Condensed language. Well, you speak in condensed language. You speak with verifiable sounds and rhythms.

You Speak in Poetry

Language itself is a condensed way of expressing larger ideas. So, one might say:

Poetry is to language as language is to reality.

Or something like that. With speech, you condense incredibly complex ideas into nuanced constructions that are often highly open to interpretation. You speak with poetry.

Poetry accomplishes the same things as language in general. Maybe even more so. That’s because…

Poetry is Storytelling

All language is storytelling. When people write, talk, sign, or wave, they’re telling a story. Poetry is no different. There’s a narrative, even when there isn’t.

So let’s put it together. Condensed language plus storytelling equals what? If you look closely, it equals everything.

When you tell someone you’re running to the store real quick to pick up some condoms and cigars, you’re actually telling a story using poetic language. Because you ARE a poet. We all are. Or maybe we’re all poems. Who knows.

When did you realize you were a poet? If you never realized it before. I hope this helps you to reach that conclusion. Write something, poet.

More Random Thoughts by Silencio Barnes

More on Writing Poetry by Silencio Barnes

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12 Oct 2011

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Writing About the Ocean

Recently, I’ve been trying to write poetry about the ocean for possible submission to Ocean Magazine.

http://twitter.com/#!/SilencioBarnes/status/120424335818240000

This is significant for several reasons.

I haven’t been writing poetry consistently for a good long while now, it’s hard to get back into that deliberate mindset
I haven’t tried to write poetry specifically for publication in years – it’s a different process…
I am using several different methods for trying to write these poems, some of which are very new to me

I’ve also been writing a bunch of haiku as well…but that’s something different 🙂

I’ve never really thought about the ocean before. I mean…not poetically. I don’t swim (can’t) and I never really spent a lot of time at the beach or on a boat. But I do appreciate the ocean as an entity. A giver and sustainer of life.

With that being said, I wanted to come from a unique angle and I’ve had a few ideas. For instance: I noticed that when I moved to PA, something was missing. I didn’t know what it was, but I realized when I took a trip back to my hometown (Amityville NY on Long Island) that what was missing, was the presence of the ocean. I never noticed nor payed attention to the vibe you get by being close to the ocean, after all, I was born and raised close to it. Nope, didn’t notice it…until it was no longer there to feel.

I think I found something to explore in that. I recorded some audio of me talking about the experience. I’m going to use that to craft a poem or two (that was one of the new methods I’m trying :).

I’ve also had a few other ideas and have already written a few poems that I’m letting incubate…and I’m actually kind of sad that I can’t share the work with you all 🙁 I want to, but many places consider online publication (even on a personal website) to be a relinquishing of first time rights (which is what most publications buy) and sometimes, electronic rights too.

But we can talk about the ocean! And if anybody would want to share some words here in the comments – or on facebook or twitter – on the subject, then feel free.