12-02-2013, 08:24 AM
Speaking for myself, the poem matters, not me.
A poem is an object like a vase thrown on a wheel. Of course we made it, but it's going to leave our hands: such is the intent of creation, is it not? To pass our work along?
Ergo, the object must have an integrity of its own. Given the choice of sacrificing personal meaning or a well-integrated structure, I'll toss personal meaning every time.
Novice poets want their personal experiences respected as part of the inherent value of their piece. A critic like me doesn't care. I don't care what a poem is about, and sometimes I don't know. I care if the poem is well-crafted...that's about it.
A poem is an object like a vase thrown on a wheel. Of course we made it, but it's going to leave our hands: such is the intent of creation, is it not? To pass our work along?
Ergo, the object must have an integrity of its own. Given the choice of sacrificing personal meaning or a well-integrated structure, I'll toss personal meaning every time.
Novice poets want their personal experiences respected as part of the inherent value of their piece. A critic like me doesn't care. I don't care what a poem is about, and sometimes I don't know. I care if the poem is well-crafted...that's about it.