Poetry writing styles can be a bit like sitting in a classroom. You generally know your place. You usually sit in that place, and only change when you are asked to do so, or circumstances demand a move. Sitting in the same place gives you a unique perspective on the view, but it is only one view. To gain alternative perspective in the room, a move is necessary. Where is this leading? The clue was in the first sentence.
We become comfortable with our place in a classroom (or a lecture hall, or a social club, or a church service) and frequently sit there. We don't welcome change. And that's analogous to our poetry writing style. Some can be eclectic and move around and switch between styles and themes. Others are comfortable writing from the same perspective time and time again. Both are cool. Poets write what they care about and if they care, they will write with a passion.
But... here's the twist. Sometimes you can lose your passion, motivation, muse ... whatever you care to call it. Then the blank page begins to taunt you, and no matter what you try to do, that page remains blank, or repeatedly ends up as a screwed up ball in the trash can. Frustration upon frustration. Then it's probably time to change your seat. Adopt another style, take on another theme - try something new. The image above is a timeline depicting the evolution of literature in the western world. It is quite useful because you can attach specific writing styles (and even authors and poets) to each period of time.
But the best question is... where do you sit in this time line? Are your writing in a modernist style, or one of the other styles? Do you have your feet planted in the dark romantic era, or are you delving into the fallow depths of Renaissance poetry? And are you prepared to venture into unknown territory to try something new? For the sake of creativity.
Steve Wheeler
Image from this source
This blog speaks to me today more than ever, and resonates a fond affirmation with every voice throughout the ages that yearned to not only be articulately heard, but also succinctly understood. Thanks Steve… you’re awesome.
ReplyDeleteTrue, but this generation has so much more history (and therefore inspiration) to call upon than previous generations of writers. Now ain't that a blast?
DeleteThrough my journey as a writer, I have been spared of classroom settings. I thrive on challenge in styles. The main reason that I joined poetry groups, has always been for the opportunity to contribute, to experience the gift which other poets share and most importantly to feel the community of poets.
ReplyDelete