Some Perspectives on Poetry and Prose

I haven't tried poetry and not sure if I will go down that path in writing. You have talent and know how to put together great lines to make it possible. Interesting and written with courage.

John, I totally agree with your perspective on poetry. It takes skill, in my opinion, to master the art of poetry as any other genre of writing. There are too many people who call what they write a poem and it really doesn't qualify. If you use free verse, then the words need to have a metrical structure. If not, then what is the difference between a poem and just prose or ordinary speech? There really isn't any. And to me this isn't poetry, but only masquerading as such. I really enjoyed your witty poem, "Don't Lose Your Poetic License." I also enjoy poems that have a message more than those that seem to be written primarily to impress or whose meaning is so camouflaged that no one really but the poet can understand. When we write, I think we all must ask ourselves who are we really writing for and what is our purpose? Excellent article. Thanks for sharing.

I love the rhythm and flow of your poetry and I love how you can tell a story through poetry.,

John, I think your perspectives are right on. One thing I love about your poetry is the flow. Your rhymes seems so natural, not forced or convoluted at all.

And I agree with you regarding purple prose (although I'll admit I've never heard the term before). Too many descriptive words take away from the story. That's when I close the book or hit the X in my browser.

You're back! And with a great hub, too. Hemingway was always right on top of things, wasn't he? Oh, and that excerpt from 'Twilight'! I never read the books, but now I don't regret. LOL. The example you gave of free verse (building your home) is from a poem you published long ago if I am not mistaken. I did love that. Keep them coming.

Thank you, you master of written words,

Hi Jodah, I thought I'd take a look at this one because I like new perspectives.

Your tendency toward form and rhyme are clear. It's nice to experiment with different forms and styles in writing.

Have a nice day!

Thank you, John.

Ann

I was just thinking of Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. And then antidisestablishmentarianism. But maybe precocious and prism would be hard to work in.

I just love this thought provoking hub and prose. I need to get a life.

I haven’t read Faulkner in a long time, and there’s good reason for it, although he did boost my vocabulary as a young person. Too long-winded. I appreciate Hemingway’s style instead—stripped down, more direct. I liked that the reader of your poem did not have to refer to a dictionary to enjoy it.

I couldn't agree more, John. 'Flowery' prose or poetry can be over-the-top. I suppose it has its place but I can't think of one at the moment!

I enjoy writing prose which has always been my preferred genre. However, having lately written more poetry I've grown to enjoy writing and reading it more, be it rhyming or free. Each lends itself to certain subjects I think.

Good for Hemingway and how could one criticise him anyway?!

Great piece, John.

Ann

John, your understanding of poetry and your ability to teach and llustrate it is beyond question. I also love rhymes. It takes great effort for me to appreciate what they call free verse. Thanks for explaining the purple prose concept.

This is an article written by a true wordsmith. Your poetry is well thought out and refreshing to read. Your thoughts on prose are fascinating.

John, I always enjoy and learn from your articles. Any leassons on writing poetry are always enjoyed as poetry has not been my cup of tea for writing. I really like the Hemingway quote, and I have always liked him anyway. The poem is excellent in my humble opinion.

Ok let me go.

My son told me to stop talking in rhyme as he giggled

Stuff just comes out in rhyme -- so imprison me.

Huge fancy words are cool to. I do not care for them but I love them. Maybe not in prose.

But your unstated challenge is on. Prose ending in words I did not know. This could be a ride. I think I will have to go deeper and into some regional stuff for synonyms. Aussie, Indian, London, Canada and of course Louisiana. My wife's is ESL Viet. My sons is hipster elementary school - They have words that boggle the mind.

Well that is not to mention I love your message and work here.

I love John Hansenway. Period. Lol!

My dear brother, John, what I like most in your poetry is that you always let Love to choose the words, the style and the colours! That is Art for me, and I am grateful to read your work! Your "Rainbow poetry"!

Let Love fill the verses of your life!

Sean

John, I enjoy your poetry but was comments on purple prose are what really resonate with me. I have read far too many books lately that are simply dreadful. I find myself wondering how they were ever published. Why use one adjective when 4 or more will make the writing even more impactful? (Insert eye roll emoji here).

And Hemmingway was right on. I never had to keep a dictionary at my fingertips to read one of his novels. Using big words doesn't improve one's writing or make one appear more intelligent; it's just pompous.

John,

I loved your poem Dont lose your...

It flows just fine.

It seems strange to me when so many words are used like someone literally took them from a dictionary to create a piece of work.

I personally want to understand the meaning of a poem without having to look it up in the dictionary.

I like poems that use feelings over words, but everyone is different.

Nice work on this one.

I needed a good chuckle this morning.

John -- This is exactly why I never called myself a "poet". I have no clue about the theory of writing poetry, and at the risk of insulting my reader, I don't really worry who likes my poems and who does not -- and why. Goes without saying -- we can't please everybody, and even those who like what we write may be more critical about some of our pieces.

When it comes to a "right" form, or choice of words, you mentioned the excellent example of Hemingway and Faulkner. I mean, if those two biggies could not agree about how far poetic licence could go, then why should we worry about it.

My poems are wide, they insist on rhyme, and I enjoy playing with the right margin of almost every stanza being slant. Words that I use may be simple and conversational, or may contain a few of those terms pertaining to some science, or philosophy.

I never worry about what critics will say about my rhythm going messy and inconsistent. To me it's even a little matter of my non-conforming, free spirit not to religiously follow a rhythm, "as if stepping on the toes of my dancing partner to wake her up from thinking nicely about my skill."

I don't mind being not-liked, John. If I never got another nice comment under my poem, I would still write, for my fun, because that's what I am doing in the first place. If others like it -- great -- if they don't, I'll have my self-expressing fun solo. Of course, I appreciate every word of praise, but I am not struggling with my "correct" form to deserve those praises. Amen.

I usually write poetry in response to feelings or thoughts and sometimes memories. I also find that my patients respond really well when they try to sum up how they feel through verse instead of face-to-face. I adore Hemingway and of course he is right you don't need fancy words to express what can only be felt in the heart. You John have the heart of a true poet.