On Poetry
by
, 02-12-2009 at 09:50 PM (3381 Views)
The other day I had a terrifying (and random) thought. I fear poetry. I thought about it for a few moments because it seemed harsh. What I think I meant was that I fear I don't appreciate poetry the way I should. My reading history is predominantly the novel with a smattering of short stories and I find I don't understand poetry well enough to appreciate it. That lack of appreciation seems to inhibit my ability to really enjoy it.
I don't know much about art but I know what I like. This cliche seems to apply to me and poetry. I might like a poem, but I have no reason if I like it for the right reasons or whether my interpretation of what is says is actually what I'm supposed to take away from it. It's what keep me away from the poetry forums on LitNet.
I feel like I'm standing at the doorway of room in which a party is in progress. Everybody knows each other and have many things in common. As I step to the threshold, you all stop and look at me, one thought on your mind. He isn't coming in here is he? Not welcome. I feel completely unqualified to write a syllable about anybody's poems. I don't vote in the contests because I really can't discern the merits of one poem over another like maybe I could with a short story or chapter from a novel.
Overall I fell like I'm cheating myself of something beautiful.