tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749059681475538860.post9109167995503781150..comments2023-06-01T12:02:03.935-04:00Comments on Poets.net: Forum Thread: Does the Difficulty of Modern Poetry Mask Its Underlying Superficiality?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749059681475538860.post-81725916900837092572008-04-15T14:26:00.000-04:002008-04-15T14:26:00.000-04:00Thanks, Gary, you offer some good insights.Definin...Thanks, Gary, you offer some good insights.<BR/><BR/>Defining art IS tricky and is often in the eye of the beholder.Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02948542374699674802noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749059681475538860.post-47659520026269718442008-04-15T13:56:00.000-04:002008-04-15T13:56:00.000-04:00I haven't read Mr. Shepherd's article, but this po...I haven't read Mr. Shepherd's article, but this post certainly highlights the subjective nature of poetry, indeed, of all art. First, define 'difficult'. “Dick and Jane” would be somewhat difficult for a 2 year old, Shakespeare for a 10th grader. What makes something difficult? Is it puzzling language and obscure references or are they but a result of the reader’s level of education? Is difficulty a reflection of the exquisite depth and insight of a poet or their inability to communicate well? The purpose of poetry, after all, is to communicate. If a poem makes no sense to, or connection with, a reader, what's the point? One might as well speak Arabic in China. But then that also depends on the reader, doesn't it? Again, define difficult.<BR/>I personally find this question particularly intriguing. My entire poetic style has been based (due to influence by Taoism) on trying to describe the profound and incomprehensible with intentionally simple (though poetic) language. You suggest here that some use language to do the exact opposite. I couldn't agree more, however...I occasionally use some scientific terminology in my poems. Many who focus solely on literature may be somewhat unknowledgeable about many aspects of Science simply because it isn't their field. Does this make my poetry 'difficult' or is the reader just ignorant?<BR/>I pose another question: If a poem containing references with which one is not familiar impedes its appreciation and results in its abandonment, is this a failed poem? Shouldn’t the reader be motivated to research the references in order to more fully appreciate the poem? On the other hand, although poetry should have some pedagogic value, of course, does anyone (not in school) have that much time these days? Do I have to study the history of Northern Ireland to enjoy “Bloody Sunday” by the band U2? Is the purpose of poetry to enrich our lives through pleasure or through knowledge? Or are they the same thing for some?<BR/>Regarding poetry challenging the reader, sometimes I want to concentrate and focus, but sometimes I just want to have fun and relax. I think we have room for John Coltrane AND Pete Seeger (and Willie Nelson, Mozart and the Rolling Stones, as well, for that matter).Gary B. Fitzgeraldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17919492445467135425noreply@blogger.com