Way back in the beginning of the year, Ms. Serensky asked all of us what we thought about poetry. I remember the ensuing discussion in our class, which consisted of various opinions flying all around the room. Some classmates held the opinion that poetry is an important art form, one they respect and have a high regard for. Others, however, took a hard stance against poetry's importance. I have to say, back then I was sort of on the fence. Part of me really respected poetry, a form of writing that can convey meaning in infinitely different ways. But at the same time, perhaps a bigger part of me thought the opposite, that in these infinitely different expressions of meaning it becomes rather trivial.
Well, a few months have past since those first few days, and several poems, essays, and class discussions later, I have to say that I have a new found appreciation for poetry. Now, now, don't you poetry lovers go saying "I TOLD YOU SO!!," because I am not a poetry fanatic now. But by struggling though SOAPSTones and essays, I have, for probably the first time, discovered the deeper meanings and messages of the poet. The images, the diction, and all the other devices poets use have come together to really impress me in regards to how a poet more or less formulates and constructs a poem, rather than just writes one. What do you think, have your impressions of poetry changed at all?
If anything, I have become more appreciative of poetry, which is saying something since I was one of the main advocates in the beginning of the year. While all of the SOAPSTones and weekly essays cause quite a struggle, I think that they actually help me to appreciate the symbolism and imagery that poets use. I haven't loved all of the poems we have studied this year, and some made me want to throw my computer across the room in frustration (Lady Freedom Among Us...) but I will continue to be annoyingly supportive of poetry.
ReplyDeleteWhy hello Chris! I, too, have had a slight change of heart when it comes to poetry. At the start of the year, I considered myself a poetry hater- I found most poetry overdramatic and without much meaning. However, the intense analysis of varying styles of poetry has given me a much more accepting viewpoint, and I generally appreciate most of the poems we read for class. Some annoy me still, but I enjoy poetry much more than at the start of the year. Nice blogging topic!
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