tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7765970379462364539.post-62202111368406314852008-05-04T17:06:00.000-07:002008-05-04T18:07:37.379-07:00we're starting this month with a poem by lloyd schwartz called "a true poem." you can find it <a href="http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/19638">here</a> at <a href="http://www.poets.org">the website for the academy of american poets</a>.<br /><br />whether you did a lot of "extra" poetry writing last month because of napowrimo or whether you write a lot, a lot, a lot of poetry all the time or even if you're only vaguely attached to concept of poetry -- this poem is worth reading over and over. it addresses not only what many of us believe about the truth in poetry (that it can be dangerous and is often painful) but also what many of us contend: that we are compelled to write, sometimes inexplicably and against rational thought.<br /><br />let's spend some time this week talking about the risks of poetry and the need to write it. in addition, of course, we'll discuss the poem itself. "a true poem" goes beyond telling us about the narrator's tangle with poetry; it wraps us up in it, as well. how does it accomplish this? what is the role of repetition in the piece? what other devices does the poet use? do you read the piece as sarcastic or as a description of genuine struggle?<br /><br />in about a week, we'll post a prompt based on our discussion. until then, see you in the comments section!PDWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07515775952251866650noreply@blogger.com