I've always loved reading books, short stories and interesting articles, but only in the last 5 or 6 years have I started really paying attention to poetry. Sure, I tried my hand at a few pathetic poems in high school to express all that teen angst bottled up inside, and studied the required "masters" in class, but that was as far as my exposure went. Now that I've begun reading poetry in print publications and literary zines such as Rose& Thorn
http://http://www.theroseandthornezine.com/ , Rattle http://http://www.rattle.com/ Drunken Boat, http://http://www.drunkenboat.com/db9/index.html etc., I love it. Taking a poetry course has added to my enjoyment.
With the increased reading of poetry, I've been writing quite a bit of it also. I get pure joy from stringing words and thoughts together in a concise form. Although very different from crafting articles or books, I can jot the bare bones or ideas for a poem down quickly, then come back to it at my leisure. And when the words flow and the stanzas pop, it gives me a great feeling of satisfaction. I've created something from seemingly random ideas or by trying to convey a feeling succinctly. Writing poetry gives me a relaxing and enjoyable break from bigger, heavier projects.
Since I've been reading so much more poetry, I now have favorite poets. Their voices are distinct and their words have the power to transport me to unexpected places. Two contemporary modern poets I am thankful to "know" are former Poet Laureate Billy Collins (Listen to his magic here: http://http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=3664 ) and Pulitzer Prize winner Natasha Trethewey, whom I've had the pleasure of hearing in person: http://http://www.pbs.org/newshour/indepth_coverage/entertainment/poetry/profiles/poet_trethewey.html .
http://http://www.theroseandthornezine.com/ , Rattle http://http://www.rattle.com/ Drunken Boat, http://http://www.drunkenboat.com/db9/index.html etc., I love it. Taking a poetry course has added to my enjoyment.
With the increased reading of poetry, I've been writing quite a bit of it also. I get pure joy from stringing words and thoughts together in a concise form. Although very different from crafting articles or books, I can jot the bare bones or ideas for a poem down quickly, then come back to it at my leisure. And when the words flow and the stanzas pop, it gives me a great feeling of satisfaction. I've created something from seemingly random ideas or by trying to convey a feeling succinctly. Writing poetry gives me a relaxing and enjoyable break from bigger, heavier projects.
Since I've been reading so much more poetry, I now have favorite poets. Their voices are distinct and their words have the power to transport me to unexpected places. Two contemporary modern poets I am thankful to "know" are former Poet Laureate Billy Collins (Listen to his magic here: http://http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=3664 ) and Pulitzer Prize winner Natasha Trethewey, whom I've had the pleasure of hearing in person: http://http://www.pbs.org/newshour/indepth_coverage/entertainment/poetry/profiles/poet_trethewey.html .
Their work always makes me smile with surprise and pleasure.
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