Comments on: I want to be a “major” poet!

By: William Goodman

William Goodman — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:56:56 +0000

I would like toknow who wrote the following: Who can so forcaste the years and :When to the heart of man:

By: Larry Jackson

Larry Jackson — Tue, 08 May 2007 19:27:01 +0000

I to want to be a major poet however Ive found that in most instance’s its tends to be peoples closed mindedness or total ignorance of or about poetry that tends to be the biggest obstacle. Despite it being seen and used all around us each and every day via TV, Magazines, Movies and in most cases Music. I mean think about it all a good song really is, is poetry set to music. and like any major record label well knows good music will sell its self. So we just have to hang in there and keep up the good fight.
Hears a little sample of my work stay inspired and don’t just stay afloat reach for the sky.
BELIEVE
Before it hit me before it found me I was worthless I was like a feather blowing in the wind no direction, I was like a speck of dirt underneath the very sole of your shoe, I couldn’t possibly amount to anything. But now I can slay villains, slay dragons and move mountains, now I can leap tall buildings in a single bound and soar through the sky like an eagle. Growing up I never believed in Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, or the Easter Bunny but I believe in its power, I never believed that with the wink of an eye or with the wave of a wand that I would be traveling to far far off lands but now, now I believe in once upon a time and happily ever after, yes now I believe in Never Never Land and places far over the bend, yes now I believe in love.
LOVE
Love is not a nice pair of breasts or a firm round behind love is an eighty something year old couple out walking hand and hand giving sway to the wind but staying true to the end, love is not long flowing locks or French manicured toes love is being able to stand up and endure through all the hot summer days and all the un-forecast storms. Love is not smooth flowing skin with all its curves and its bends love is a crown full of grey with all its aches and its pains, some people they claim they know love but they only know it by its name and some people they long and search for love but they don’t know where to begin. Love is not a hour glass shape or a mere warm embrace it goes much deeper than her clothes. It starts roundabout her soul.

By: Bridget Madden

Bridget Madden — Mon, 07 May 2007 14:33:38 +0000

Lovely blog, Patricia. I’m reading Rilke’s “Letter’s to Young Poet” right now as part of my Stonecoast reading list. Anyone else read this volume? It’s chock full of insights, my favorite being something along the lines of don’t write for the magazines and for others’ approval, simply “create because you must.”
That made me think of this (totally cheesy) metaphor: it’s like dating. If you try too hard, are simply desperate to be with someone, it’s not going to happen. One can’t force true love. But if you just let things be, the right person comes along.
If you try to write a poem to be a major poet, it’s not going to happen. My feeling is one can’t force major poet-ness. A passion for the poem and not a passion for the notoriety is what makes a major poet happen, when you least expect it.
See you in July!

By: Tod Marshall

Tod Marshall — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 19:20:21 +0000

Or: to clarify. I’d rather have written “the city in which i love you” or “Meditation at Lagunitas” or “Reading Plato” than have all of the attention/material/cultural rewards that it seems some would associate with being a “major poet.”
And another question: how many bloggers/readers would classify Auden as a “major poet?” If so, why so? If not, why not?

By: Tod Marshall

Tod Marshall — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 17:17:10 +0000

Ambition? A better question: does one want to “be a major poet” or does one want to write major poems.

By: liz babcock

liz babcock — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 18:45:57 +0000

ambition should be made of sterner stuff.
okay, i’ve heard that Frost, for example, was in contrast to his public image, a keen promoter of his own career.
but there is a definite dichotomy between loving language and needing to express experience poetically, and fixation on one’s reputation,degree of. be clear on that.

By: Dara Gordon

Dara Gordon — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 18:50:14 +0000

Thanks for your response, Patricia,
Anyone who can write about sex between 80 years, cooking lovers in tomatoe sauce, rainfall in Bophuthatswana,and Phyllis Wheatley is major in my book.
Dara

By: patricia

patricia — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 01:18:12 +0000

Dara,
I don’t have enough time to like Auden just because everyone says I should. Granted, I groaned a little when he popped up on my MFA reading list–but then I discovered how metrical structure (which I feared) could sharpen and showcase a poem’s narrative arc. I love the way his words feel in my mouth.
Come to think of it, I don’t think I like any poet simply because he or she is “major”–perish the thought…

By: Brian Hadd

Brian Hadd — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 21:40:17 +0000

Untisfakable morbidity decision. We the poetic are major and can become major minor madder mad. The Hood Company

By: kwame dawes

kwame dawes — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 20:54:14 +0000

Patricia, you have to be one of the funniest writers I know. This blog is such a hoot. You make me late picking up my daughter because I am reading your darned (PG13) blog. This is a gem. I am now checking my “majorness”. I got lots of books, now. My list would be different, though.