Why do you write poetry? What do you get out of it?

-- Anonymous, April 02, 2000

Answers

cause my brain gets full and i gotta empty it......

-- Anonymous, April 04, 2000

I'm a great afficionado of the accumulated image and concept of 'poets' and their 'poetry' -- you know, the very serious black garb, polo-necks, chin-stroking, and the highly effective mate-wooeing possibilities there entailed. Traditionalists might argue that one should have original ideas and structures in order to truly be considered a poet, but I believe it to be sparky thinking of the highest order to reason that the trappings of true 'poethood' are as good a beginning as any. Where there's cheese, mice will come, as they (don't) say. In the meantime, I'm concentrating on developing the art of phonology in order to attain the perfect image: really hammering in that onomatopoeia and alliteration. After all, 70% of making a successful impression is how you look, 25% is how you SOUND, and a mere 5% is what you actually say. I reckon 95% is a great start for a relative beginner. Onwards and upwards! ...say, did you just hear squeaking..?

-- Anonymous, April 05, 2000

Hey, el, love the beret!

-- Anonymous, April 05, 2000

elvi?.....the name sounds vaguely familiar.....do we know an elvi?....

-- Anonymous, April 06, 2000

I guess I write poetry mostly cause I seem to be able to, and it gives me pleasure. It feels good.
Every once in a while I write cause there are words banging on the inside of my skull that want out, they want to be put on paper.
And sometimes I write cause I need to process something, to work out what I feel. But mostly I write because it feels good.

-- Anonymous, April 06, 2000

hmmm...well, when I write its because I have to...the ideas tend to bounce all over the place...the trick is to tame them into some useable form...of course, when the muse isn't playing along, its off in a corner somewhere pretending the world doesn't exist...it would rather play with ideas than settle into the reality of everyday life, and so it taunts with snippets here and there, along with the occasional vignette...I liken it to living with an unruly child

-- Anonymous, April 08, 2000

Since when are you aloud to ask a question without answering it youself, Xan? And what do you mean why? I HAVE to write poetry! Do you think I WANT to get up at 1am and scrounge around in the dark only being able to find a crayon and a paper towel because that's all I have in the house simply to scratch out the bloody sentences that won't stop carreaning around my brain? Am I the only one that does this?

-- Anonymous, April 12, 2000

*cringes at her sibling's spelling issues*

Um... Shannon? You have crayons in your apartment? Like, don't you think that's a little weird for a grown woman who doesn't have any kids?

Well, OK. I have crayons in my apartment too. But that's because I'm an art freak! I have an excuse!! *loves crayons*

This here is not my official answer to the question, btw. I'm supposed to be working, dammit!

-- Anonymous, April 13, 2000

The only reason I have crayons is because mom gets them for me thinking that it was ME who always like them as a kid when it was you instead. That and she keeps forgeting how old I am.

But I have the Robert Munch story books because I love to read them over and over. :> You still haven't answered your own question, xan. :P

-- Anonymous, April 13, 2000

So, I thought this was an easy question, but turns out it's really not.

I write poetry because I love to write poetry. How else can I explain it? That's laughable, of course, because being someone who claims such a love, I should be able to explain it better than that. Hmm.

There is something cathartic about capturing an idea, or a moment, or a sentiment, or a conviction, or a feeling by pulling together a string of words in a unique and captivating way. It can be cleansing, purging. And often, it can reveal things about yourself that you didn't realize before. It also just feels good to create things. I use a lot of creative outlets in my life because I like the energy and confidence it gives me to come up with a finished product that I feel proud of. There's nothing so invigorating (except maybe exercise *lol*) as making something that only you could have done. Flexing those originality muscles. Expressing your unique little ol' self. Of course, sometimes what I create turns out to be utter crap. But a few wins can go a long way to encourage continual effort. ;-)

I think one of the reasons I didn't write poetry for a long time was because I write for a living... and the stuff I write for a living ain't that thrilling, believe me. And the last thing I wanted to do in my spare time was spend more time battling with words. But now that I've started writing poetry again, it's had an unexpected effect on my regular work life -- I think it's helped to make me a better writer in general. Maybe that's because it's re-sparked my enthusiasm for the written word. And it's also made me think about my various audiences a little bit differently. Really... when it comes right down to it, it's just been added practice at communicating thoughts. And we all know what practice makes!

For some reason I can never seem to answer these damn questions without being a wind- bag.

-- Anonymous, April 13, 2000

outcasts like crayons.....the yellow ones taste lemony.....

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2000

Balance. My work life is scientific and logical and orderly...poetry tends to be none of the above...at least not upon first glance.

-- Anonymous, June 18, 2000

I write lyrics because its how i feel... like Its the best way to get thru to someone when you don't feel like talking. I just write a ryhme and drop them a line

-- Anonymous, February 07, 2003