I really enjoyed last week’s fun in the café and thanks to you all for taking part and attempting to write the world’s shortest poem. I don’t know if any of them will overtake “Fleas” in the Guinness Book of Records, but a high five to everyone for joining in, you are all winners.
This week I am asking the question “Are you a poet?”
It seems a strange question to ask considering most people reading this post write poetry, but is the art of being a poet more than just that. The thought and question arose whilst I was conducting research for some blog posts and stumbled across a discussion asking whether the title of poet should be restricted.
There were some contrasting views, with one stating anyone calling themselves a poet should be distrusted as, “poet is a title necessarily bestowed on you by others.” Some participants suggested you should only use the term if you were a poet and wrote poetry as a full-time occupation.
Most English dictionaries describe a poet as someone who writes poetry, but is it as simple as that? For example, do you need to have had poetry published, or written a poetry book or won a poetry competition, before you can allude to the title?
In my younger days, I was once told by a teacher to beware of anyone who called themselves an expert or guru as anyone, labelling themselves as such, had stopped learning. Again, it was a title to be bestowed by others. Is it the same for poets? Can someone who recklessly uses the term poet be at risk of arrest from the Poetry Police, or is being a poet something to be shouted from the rooftops?
Are you happy to call yourself a poet, or would you rather let others use the title on your behalf?
Why not grab a coffee and air your thoughts in the café.
Hi!
Nice post! I’m making posts about scientific explanations behinde everyday appearance and recentlly I’ve made post about coffee, so if you have time and will please go and check it out!. If you. like it please follow me, I follow you.
Thank you! 😀
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You should follow Go Dog Go if the writing appeals to you- the collective does not have the manpower to follow other sites while also maintaining our own personal blogs. Its no reflection of the quality of our followers– just reality.
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A Poet is someone who writes poetry, simple as, it can be a professional title of course but as far as I am concerned all the other arguments are born out of perceived elitism ( and therefore insecurity)and are at best worthy of my pity at worst my scorn. .
Oops bit feisty me thinks ! I prefer the term Alchemist of word but people tend to say “eh ! a what ?”
Another way to view it is what drives, motives are involved. Turning this on its head does writing for profit negate artistic integrity, no of course not so likewise neither does writing for pleasure.
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Thanks for this Nigel. The conversation and comments were originally from an academic setting and I, like you, scorn at the elitism that has dogged poetry for so long. If someone has the courage to write they have earned the right to call themselves what they like, in my view. I appreciate you adding your thoughts and kicking off the conversation.
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I love your choice here. I think I will have business cards made for myself.
The Backyard Poet- Alchemist of Words- Purveyor of Images
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Thank you for linking and using this for your inspiration Christine. It is appreciated.
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I look forward to your Thursday posts– they always give me a lot to think about and often inspire me creatively.
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I am pleased to hear that Christine. I am revisiting some old questions I posed for my blog as it would be good to gauge the views of the cafe audience. I enjoy writing these posts as they also give me something to thing about.
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Thanks for linking and sharing this Maria, it is appreciated.
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IMHO, a poet is one who communicates ideas and emotions in various styles of poetry.
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A succinct and apt description Eugenia. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
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Poem vs Poet
A poet views life in moments. They see its beauty and emotions. They feel the vibrations of the universe. They understand its truths and its lies. Yes, sometimes, a poet’s blood pulses in rhyme. But, sometimes they express themselves with motion of dance, with the spoken word or placing their expressions on canvas. My father was a poet, though he never placed a word onto paper. The stories he told were not always straight forward and many times you had to search for his true meanings.
A poem is only one form of expression used by a poet.
Of course, what other answer could you expect from someone calling themselves the backyard poet.
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Very eloquently put Jerry. As you say, poetry comes in many forms and descriptions. I would add there is poetry anywhere you care to look for it and it doesn’t always have to be expressed in writing. Thanks for adding your thoughts to the conversation.
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The movie Paterson really made me think about the poetry of everyday life and the many vehicles of poetic expression.
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I haven’t seen that film Christine. I will put it on my to do list.
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This is a beautiful response to Davy D’s question. I view life in moments. In fact, my whole life is moments of varying emotions, reactions, actions, and I feel it is moments that last. Loved your response!
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Thank you. We must savor each moment because they will never return. I just jumped over to your site and fell in love with it. Fantastic work.
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Wow. Honored. Glad you came and visited!
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Intriguing post 😊
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Thanks jqauzi. I am pleased it provided some interest and appreciate you taking time to read and comment.
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To me, a poet is simply someone who captures life in words. And essentially that’s what https://jemverse.wordpress.com is about. I’ve been a poet for something approaching fifty years, writing at least daily, and with absolutely no intention of stopping.
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Thank you Jem and good to hear your thoughts. I like the simplicity of your description. It doesn’t need to be any more complicated.
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😀
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