Andrey's questions about poems (split from the intro thread)

[AndreyGaganov]

... the metaphor shows us something we don't know via something we do.

"something we don't know via something we do" - Is that a way of saying that we are unaware of the consequences of our actions? Did I get it right?

... a simile is one of the kinds of metaphor.

I was never told that.

Perhaps before insulting the many quality poets here whose work ...

OK, ... I did not intend to insult anyone here. If there's anyone here who felt offended by what I said, then it's probably because they mistook what I said to be my ignorant opinion for a point of argument.

... you might consider that this site is principally designed for interaction by reading and critiquing the work of others.

I thought that was just the Poetry Forum, not the Poetry Discussion forum.

In order to become a member, one must first engage in three valuable, considered and insightful critiques and then continue with a reasonable quid pro quo. This is how one learns: by immersion, not by demand.

I thought poetry is about experience, not something as academic as immersion. Now I don't know whom to listen to.

... you resist the many suggestions to find things out for yourself, with helpful tips on how to find them, ...

I told you I will read the poem you gave me the link to. I told lizziep that I'm gonna go out and find the right poetry material for myself.

... perhaps you might make a decision as to whether you are really seeking some sort of poetry epiphany ... .

That's been my agenda all along.

... or if you're just interested in talking yourself out of doing any actual work.

I just want to make sure that I have all the essential knowledge and understanding of the precepts of poetry before I crash and burn with misguided critiques. Never before was I told that I have to perform labor to comprehend something that is supposed to be natural, human.

However, at least most of those people ... have the courtesy not to tell us that our occupation with the art is subordinate in some way to "prose" ... .

Oh, Jesus. I don't remember passing this as a dogma.

Might I suggest that you do, in fact, read more widely before telling us that in a few days we have failed to convince you that you will ever be an amazing poet when many of us have spent lifetimes immersing ourselves in text and texture, and still discover new things all the time -- or create them for ourselves. We cannot teach you to be creative.

There appears to be more to poetry than just reading, aloud or not, however widely.