losing poetry

[Erthona]

One could say that it is purely perception, and as in the past there are fruitful period and unfruitful ones. However, humanity has never had access to mass media as it does today, nor such a dependance on faddishness, rather than the development of a style over a long time period. Of course this assumes that such access will continue to exist. What is probably less debatable is that art will be made in some form or other to help guide humankind, or humankind will cease to exist. That we have such a rich cultural history in poetry would speak well for it's survival in some form, as people will probably continue to read it, and thus seek to imitate it. However, because of the lack of real knowledge as regards poetry, it is difficult to say what will be held up as good poetry, and whether as in the past - time (along with a certain amount of universality) will be the ultimate arbitrator between the good and the trivial. Although Van Gogh only sold one painting, and that to his brother, he has become one of the greatest artist ever. Genuine originality coupled with artistic genius and skill, does seem to eventually rise to the top, and our culture, no matter how transitory and fleeting, is still informed by the artistic foundation it so wobbly stands upon. So there is hope.

Dale