If you are writing outside of traditional conventions of poetic expression, in terms of either content or structure, then your poetry is by definition experimental.
The “lesser” is an imaginative method to capture the audience using sound and rhythm as to create an emotional response through the medium of words either written or spoken. Rhyming is by no means a necessity however it is required to invoke certain emotions. The “greater” (experimental) poetry can be acted or displayed in picture form. In comparison to the “lesser” this form usually has no restrictions whatsoever. By restricting poetry to me can stifle the creative process.
This is exactly why I asked our guest speaker during his lecture on why one of the poems we read in class was given the title "absurd". The connotation of that word reminds me of a word I hate and that is “normal”. Just because something does not fit in what is socially accepted today does not make it abnormal or “absurd”. Everyday someone discovers something new or create a new and undiscovered genre.
In conclusion, I think that all forms of poetry are necessary. I personally prefer to take risk, and travel places undiscovered.
Craig Fontenot
I agree. Who is to say what is poetry and what is not, just as who is to say what is greater or lesser poetry? It's just a label which confines and restricts poetry and its purpose or meaning. I have a hard time liking experimental poetry due to reading 'classical' poetry in high school (even there, you see a boundary or title). However, to say that experimental poetry is lesser than classical is absurd and idiotic. By creating barriers around writing, you stifle the creative process.
ReplyDeleteJae Khoury
I think experimental poetry has its place most definitely. I think the use of "absurd" was meant more to reflect the content of the poem itself, which goes beyond the conventionally sensible to make a point, which admittedly it is. Not that it's a bad thing, since it actually makes its point much stronger, if a little less clear.
ReplyDelete-Tomas f
I agree. I could flap my gums, but the first commenter basically said my thoughts for me.
ReplyDeleteTo not risk echoing; I think what you wrote was very good.