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Many issues face the Internet or Cyber Poet of today. How do I safeguard or copyright my work? What does "intellectual property" mean? How can I publish in print media? We cannot anticipate all your questions, but some are frequently asked sufficient to merit a page to address them.
Index of Topics
Notes:
- The notation (person--####, yymmdd) represents the original message board entry information. Entry number #### may vary and is therefore only approximate.
- Some topics are presented with multiple points of view or represent a current prevailing opinion subject to correction with new information.
Message 15: Theme in Poetry
mgonzalez01
Sep 2 1998 5:58PM EDT
Theme is important when writing a poem. When you write a poem, consider it's theme. Some poems
have just one theme, while other poems have more abstract themes.
Meaning and Theme
There are often two types of meaning: literal and figurative. The literal meaning of a poem is what actually happens in the poem, on a purely superficial level. What is the story or observation found in the poem? Is it simply telling you a story about the death of a king? Is it just describing a Grecian urn with the figures painted upon it?
The figurative meaning is generally associated with the theme, and is usually more abstract (i.e., a concept, rather than a concrete physical description). It is the meaning behind the action. Almost every piece of literature, whether poem or story or song, has a theme. This is the main idea, or main meaning, behind the piece. You can usually discover this by asking yourself the question, "What did the author expect me to learn from this piece?" Theme is the most important element of a poem. Weather it is a funny, curt poem or an elaborate epic poem. A poem without meaning is merely a jumble of words on a page.
Assignment: Write a short poem about death! It can be any style and length, but it must be about death. Some anologies of death: Darkness, Abyss, Black Knight
Try using imagery and symbolism in your poem.
Good luck!
Note: No information provided on source of text.
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Message 33: Poetry Construction
mgonzalez01
Sep 7 1998 10:15PM EDT
Poetry Construction
A poem must be constructed using some form of pattern and beat. Even though it is written in Free Verse or if it is written in conventional style, a poem must have a basic structure. When you write a poem, you should have a poetic journal...a small notebook where you can scribble down the title of your poem and the beginnings or first draft of your poem.
First you should think about your theme. What do I wish to tell the audience through my poem? What subject am I going to write about? A good poem should have one central theme. Too many themes and imagery can throw the audience off. Concentrate on a single theme.
Next, think of a good captivating title. The title is just as important as the body of the poem. Read your poem aloud and think about the main idea of the poem. Choice a title that conveys the meaning of your poem. Begin to jot down any thoughts regarding your poem. Don't be worried about how it will look or sound, just write every single inspiring thought you might have regarding what you wish to write about.
Next decide if you will rhyme your poem. Choose your words intellegently. Do not rhyme words for the sheer pleasure of rhyming words. Rather, weave your words wisely, adding or subtracting words as you go along. Try to set your poem to music. Poetry, even blank verse, follows certain metre. You don't have to limit yourself to a fixed set of iambic pentametre, just hum to yourself as you read your first draft. Can you hear a certain beat to your poem? Then you are on the right track.
If you use imagery in your poem then good for you! Certain poets thrive with imagry. No matter how conventional poetry is, you should not limit yourself to write in any poet's footprint. Write what's ever in your heart! Just keep the spirit of poetry alive!
Next, you should re-write your original poem. Type your poem on 8"x 11" ivory paper. If you use a word processor you can change a view words that will better convey your theme.
Proofread! Proofread! Proofread! I cannot stress this more! I have had to re-write a single poem a dozen times because I did not catch a minute mistake. Editors like an error-proof poem!
May I recommend you reading The Poet's Manual by Stillman?
Excercise! I'd like the club to write a sonnet. I will work on my own and at the end of the week I will post mine. Good luck!
Poetically yours,
Mary Gonzalez!
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Message 69: Poetic Journal
mgonzalez01
Sep 26 1998 11:06AM EDT
Keeping a Poetic Journal
I encourage all my members to get themselves a poetic journal. This journal can be an inexpensive notebook where you can jot down any ideas for a poem, make notes of correction, jot down stanzas and make notations on poetic figures of speech. I have a 'poetry' folder. I purchased a plastic folder with a cord clasp and in it I've placed ten manila folders. I've marked the folders, "Recent Poems," "Poet's Market," "Copyright Forms," "Ideas," "Submission Tracker," and "Form Letters to Magazines."
In addition to this folder, I have another viynal folder with a notebook and pen which I use to write any new poem and to play with words which will help me write poems better. Poets should establish a fixed schedule when they write for approximately fifteen minutes a day. You should set a workstation with pens, notebooks, computer, dictionary, theasurus, and a few poetic manuals.
One good source for Poets is 'The Poet's Market'. This poetic gem give poets invaluable information where they can submit their poems.
Another thing I have established is a three ring binder where I have placed all my poems. I divided the binder into twenty-six letters of the alphabet and each poem is inserted in its own protector sheet and goes in the corresponding letter of the alphabet. All poems whose title begin with A goes in the A tab section and so forth. Now I have a beautiful portfolio of my work. Now I just have to embellish the cover of my binder!
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Message 278: In truth...
EnchantedWords
Jan 1 1999 2:45PM EST
Criticism
Do what you feel is necessary to invoke a POSITIVE critique or comment. With the critiques I've given the response was favorable so don't think many have to high a barrier on being critiqued. This is my opinion though, I am not speaking for any others.
The college way of learning tend to be merciful because of the learned aspect through taught ways of thought given in supposed intellect of schooled belief there isn't a way to write other than what the books indicate...Rather than writng from the heart and letting the gift of words become the stepping stones of life and nature's shown truths of willed stanza of verbage.
In other words...write as if you are there, bring thought from mind into a reality, making a path of words that allow creativity and wonderment for all that wishes to read them. Schooling isn't the gifted mind's way of writing, only a taught progression of thought governed by a teacher and past "proposed" way of written ability. One's gift is shown how to write, putting a word in the right context but has no real truth on allowing that gift of words to be shown as a poet...until made what feels is right, truth from soul, words flowing as an eagle's feather lightly floating down from the heavens and landing into the palm of one's hand. Without any other given strength other than knowing it was words, their words giving the meanings wanted, as only their words can.
A poet comes through many aspects of life. Living as does through their eyes makes for words of beauty and life. It doesn't come through a class, it doesn't come through a taught perspective of ability, it just is because of a gift. One must know how to use the gift in the purpose given...a truth on their ability to learn, then still keep their style, HELPS the vision of what writing is about as a poet.
Sorry, again this is just an opinion. I have seen many a teacher and student of college bestow onto someone there is no other way to write but what they are taught...WRONG!
The words flow through one's spirit with intent to be as poetic as possible. The style with which they are shown comes from reading other poets' words and ways of those words being put down. It isn't in stone that is how one must write, only shows what could be given in words through their style to be affective and beautiful. Maybe no beauty at all attached to a particular poem, yet has a poetic balance that is created through those poet's ability to write. What is funny about that, many famous poets have not any schooling at all on how to write poetry yet is shown in College to be poetically correct.
Do what you feel is neccessary in bringing your critiques into a poet's world of words...just don't do mine without a very sincere thought on what the poem is meant, how written, and not throwing me any college beliefs it is without poetic balance because of what you perceive is the truth as you are taught or teach. My words have strength and are given to make one vision the felt sense through words as I have brought from reality, imagination, and/or both. I do that very well and know it to be truth because of the response received from many well versed people indicating it so.
I have nothing against a critique. It gives one a perspective that might of missed without. Learning how another sees one's words helps bring a poem into a more defined sense on what may need in meaning and flow. It is a learning of how a poem is read, even if brought through the eyes of intellect which say there is no way but that way to write, something will be shown in their response that is helpful.
Btw, I understand your response in full context to what you mean. I just don't like to be given a critique which is from a college level of misconceptions on what writing is and is not.
smiles crowstouch
Note: crowstouch is only one alternate signature for EnchantedWords.
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Message 542: Submission Tracker
mgonzalez01
Mar 19 1999 6:31PM EST
Submission Tracker
I read in the Poet's Market that a poet should have a Submission Tracker...a file where the name of the poem, where the poem was sent to, the date, and the response you got from the editor can be kept. This makes your job easier. For one thing, it gives you a permanent list of all the poems you sent in as well as the response you got. You will not send the same poem to the same magazine or publication twice!!!
In the Poet's Market you will find a reproducible page called Submission Tracker...usually at the back of the book. I have made several copies and made myself a file. Now when I send a poem in I note the title of the poem, the magazine I sent it in, the name of the editor, the date I sent it in, the response I got and if I got paid.
Poetically Yours,
Mary
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Message 540: Editing
mgonzalez01
Mar 19 1999 6:25PM EST
Editing
[salutation deleted] So many times I have had to edit my poems because a word would not fit the
meaning I wanted to convey...or a spelling mistake that I could have avoided. When a poet finishes her work she/he should save it to disk and make a copy. Try reading and re-reading the poem and listen to the poem silently in your head and then proofread it for correct grammar, punctuation and spelling. I have Office 97 and it has something called Binder which allows you to put all related files together in one program. I created a poetry Binder. In it I have one file for ideas, research and two or three files of poems. I give them names such as "On Loves Golden Rays" and "Love Poems" No when I compose a poem, it is easier to edit and correct. I just simply make the correction on the computer and print it out.
This is a good idea...to put your poems into your computers...it makes them easier to track, edit, and publish. p.S. Just make sure to have a back-up system for your hard disk drive...just in case!! LOL
Poetically Yours,
Mary
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Message 770: Definition/Sonnet
AngelPie_Mouse
Apr 20 1999 6:59PM EDT
SONNET
A fixed form consisting of fourteen lines of five-foot iambic verse.
In the English or Shakespearean sonnet, the lines are grouped in three
quatrains (with six alternating rhymes) followed by a detached rhymed
couplet which is usually epigrammatic. In the original Italian form,
such as Longfellow's Divina Commedia, the fourteen lines are divided
into an octave of two rhyme-sounds arranged abba abba and a sestet of
two additional rhyme sounds which may be variously arranged. This
latter form tends to divide the thought into two opposing or
complementary phases of the same idea.
Sidelight: A variant of the Shakespearean form is the Spenserian sonnet
which links the quatrains with a chain or interlocked rhyme scheme,
abab bcbc cdcd ee.
(See Quatorzain)
--------------------------------------------------
Anticipating your next question:
Five-Foot (Pentameter)
A Foot is....
A unit of rhythm or meter, the division in verse of a group of syllables, one of which is long or
accented. For example, the line,
"The boy | stood on | the burn | ing deck,"
has four iambic metrical feet. The fundamental components of the foot
are the arsis and the thesis. The most common poetic feet used in
English verse are the iamb, anapest, trochee, dactyl and spondee,
while in classical verse there are 28 different feet.
The other metrical feet are the amphibrach, antibacchius, antispast, bacchius, choriamb, cretic, diiamb, dispondee, dochmius, molossus, proceleusmatic, pyrrhic and
tribrach, plus two variations of the ionic,
four variations of the epitrite, and four variations of the paeon. The
structure of a poetic foot does not necessarily correspond to word divisions, but is determined in
context by the feet which surround it.
Sidelight: A line of verse may or may not be written in identical feet;
variations within a line are common. Consequently, the classification of verse as iambic, anapestic, trochaic, etc., is determined by the foot which is dominant in the line.
Sidelight: To help his young son, Derwent, remember the most common metrical feet, Coleridge
wrote the following verse:
Trochee | trips from | long to | short;
From long to long in solemn sort
Slow Spon | dee stalks; | strong foot, | yet ill | able
Ever to | come up with | Dactyl tri | syllable
Iamb | ics march | from short | to long;
With a leap | and a bound | the swift An | apests throng.
(See Dipody)
(See also Scan, Scansion)
-------------------------------------------------------
And, of course, the next question you have to ask is...
IAMB (EYE-am) or IAMBUS, IAMBIC
The most common metrical foot in English German and Russian verse, and
many other languages as well; it consists of two syllables, a short or
unaccented syllable followed by a long or accented syllable, as in
avoid or the rush. (See an example of iambic pentameter under Blank
Verse.)
Sidelight: The name of the iambic foot derives from the Greek iambos,
a genre of invective poetry (now termed lampoon) with which it was
originally associated.
(See also Meter, Rhythm)
-------------------------------------------------------
It's not that I am a genius or anything. I copied this information from the following source:
A Unique Guide for the Study of Poetry
http://shoga.wwa.com/~rgs/glossary.html
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Message 821: Garbage Lines...
AngelPie_Mouse
Apr 28 1999 10:36PM EDT
Garbage Lines
Mary is completely right about keeping a journal. I don't divide mine up as nicely as she does, but I do keep an ongoing record of things I write. I go back and look at the evolution of a poem, phrases I've thrown out as "nice, but not working." I call these "garbage lines" and keep a section of them running in the back of my journal. Sometimes, I discover that there is a whole other poem that was creeping into the middle of another piece or that the lines themselves excite a whole other direction of thought.
Okay, so you already know about "garbage lines," right. Well, in case you don't; just keep in mind that the sudden, wonderful, memorable phrase that awoke you from a sound sleep and made you fumble in the dark for pencil and paper was very likely a "garbage line" and ought to have a home for future reference, like when that nightmare rolls round again and finishes the poem.
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Message 1232 and 1233
Guide: Writing and Editing Poetry
mgonzalez01 (36/F/New Jersey) 07/18/1999 09:06 am EDT
Guide: Writing and Editing Poetry
Here are a few suggestions to help you write and edit your poems:
- Keep a list of free-flowing ideas.
- Write about things and experiences
that interest you.
- Record all thoughts as they come to you
and edit them LATER.
- Feel free to repeat words and ideas from
previous poems you have written in the past.
- Respect what you write. Suspend self-criticism.
- Ask people to give you critical comments in
the form of questions rather than suggestions.
Suggestions can be interpreted as negative
criticism.
- Read other peoples' poetry for inspiration.
- Save the poems you write by collecting them in
either an electronic journal or a hard binder.
- Develop your own unique style of writing...don't
copy someone else's style.
- As you write poetry, you will discover methods for
composing and editing your work that is best for you.
- When composing poetry, select a quiet spot in your office just for this purpose. Keep a few books on Poetry Writing, dictionaries, thesauri, and writing utensils handy. The Computer is the poet's most versitle tool! It is wise to use it for your poetry.
- When you compose your poem, try not to edit as you write, rather, keep your thoughts flowing as you write...you can edit later. This also saves time and keeps your ideas flowing. After recording your ideas, cross out or change unwanted lines. Then, scan your poem for the strongest opening line.
- Your best opening verse may be half or three-quarters of the way down your page. Put a number 1 next to it, or rewrite the line at the top of the page. Order and rewrite your other verses.
- Read your poem out loud. Put a slash mark (/) at each place you stop naturally. Then place a mark next to any phrase you want to emphasize and place it at the end of the line.
- Rewrite your poem, ending each verse with a slash mark.
- Read your poem aloud and listen to how well it reads. Check for spelling, typO's or vaque words.
- Listen to the rhyme scheme and then rewrite it if it needs to be re-written.
@}>-->-->-->--
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