Tuesday, 30 May 2006, 5:45 p.m.
As I see it, a poem should
* be pleasing and enjoyable to eye and ear.
* be understandable, for the most part, and not an exercise for the poet alone.
* challenge the reader to see self, others, or some part of this world from a new perspective.
* draw pictures and use the senses to communicate underlying truths and principles.
I read a lot of poetry that doesn't speak to me; there's no connection between the poet and me. If a poet wants to write a poem for a personal exercise, that's fine -- just keep it to himself, and don't push it off on me as a work of literature or an attempt to communicate a perspective on the world.
People sometimes claim the Lord gives them the words of their poetry, as if he were still inspiring writings today. Much of the work of such people is mediocre. My work may be second-rate, too, but I don't attribute special inspiration by God for it. I desire that any credit be his; be sure the mistakes and mediocrity are mine.
I write to invite. I invite the reader to share the wonders of creation, the order of God's universe, the rhythms of life. I invite you to see what I see, and perhaps in that process, we may narrow the gap between us and enrich each other.
So here's the invitation: cloudburst-join@associate.com
