  Poetry
This week: Edited by: Becky Simpson  
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If you have never written under a deadline you should try it, especially when your muse refuses to help. It can be frightening to say the least. In this edition I would like to have a look at emphasizing your poetry. I chose this subject because recently I received a review in which the reader was disturbed by a piece of art I had attached to one of my poems. The reviewer liked the poem but did not like the art. He thought I was trying to emphasize the poem with the art work. The truth was I attached the art work because of its symbolism without once thinking of emphasis.
So! Let’s have a look at emphasizing poetry. Is there a right way or a wrong way? What do established poets think of emphasis? We will look at some of the works that use unusual or even conventional means to emphasize their poetry. Along with that, I will provide you with this week’s list of favorite poets. In closing I will answer the feedback from the last edition, listing the winner of the Tee shirt. Becky Simpson
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Last year as I was studying on the importance of punctuation in poetry, I discovered not all poets feel that punctuation serves a purpose. In fact some object to its very presence and especially object to the use of emphasizing punctuation such as exclamation points. The comment I recorded was in fact that if your work truly had anything worthy of saying it would not require the use of an exclamation point. On the opposite end of this argument we have our esteemed Poet Laureate, who stated that he believed that poetry should contain appropriate punctuation.
However, it isn’t just about punctuation; there are many ways to emphasize your work. Some of us on Writing.Com use color, others use shape or form, still others use imagery and illustrations. It is even possible to use music to add a bit of punch to your poetic efforts. Who among us does not know the work “Footprints in The Sand”? How many times have you seen this same work superimposed over a sandy beach with footprints? Does this mean that a work lacks punch if you use some form to add emphasis. I would say unequivocally “NO.”
Stepping down from the soap box for a second let’s look at poetry as art. Isn’t that what poetry is? Don’t we strive to paint an image in the minds of our readers? So what happens when you mix your arts, and incorporate an image within your poem? Have a look at poem that is an image itself as The StoryMistress  presents us with her work "Visual Poetry" . Please follow the link on this one since it proved to be an image, and therefore I could not copy and paste.
What do you think? Does it add to or detract from her work because she chose to present it in an artistic form? Mind you. It’s just opinion, but, I think her efforts, which had to be painstaking, are merely a reflection of the love she has for this site. Her written work accurately portrays the feelings many of us have for Writing.Com.
Though I have reversed my normal approach to presenting my poetic works, this time presenting Writing.Com poets first, do not worry, I will add some established poets also. Still while we are looking at our own poets, I would like to make another observation – some of the professionally published anthologies of poetry use pictorial imagery with each poem.
Time for more poetry, this selection is from Ann Ticipation  and is called "Invalid Item" . Note the use of exclamation points.
So!
So what!
Or so not.
So not so cool,
by that I mean cruel.
This world wants to play fool.
It surely saddens God's creative eye, so!
To see beloved earth fall apart.
When did downward spiral start?
A mean streaked heart
too often wins.
So sins.
So!
No!
No way,
do not say.
No one walks toward,
or seeks God's rich reward.
There appears to be no forward
path to righteousness, say yes or no!
To sin, your own choice make.
Speak up your chances take.
For the world's sake
will you let
evil set?
No!
Go!
Go where?
Go out there.
Make your presence felt.
Show the world you knelt,
ensuring any cold hearts did melt.
Take God's hand into the world, go!
Show strength and with the meek
stop the world's sinful streak.
Into evil goodness leak.
Sin must lose,
you choose.
Go!
What do you think? Were the exclamations too much. At this point let me caution you too many exclamation points can be bad. Especially if repetitive one following the last. I think the punctuation in this work adds to, not subtracts from, its impact. Good work, Ann.
I don’t know how much reading you do, but I do a lot. That isn’t to say I rate everything I read, but I read as much as I can make time for. Our next poet does a lot of reading, too. In fact I think he reads every one of the newsletters. The only true criticism he has ever offered was that my newsletter was not long enough because I never seemed to have room for one of his works! He was teasing of course. Guess what? billwilcox, it is your day, as I take my hat off to you for a little poem you are probably surprised to see here. It is called "The Wondrous Christmas Tree" .
Long
before
there are any
Christmas presents to
be found -- or hanging on
the door a festive wreath for you
to see; preceding any mouth-watering
foods or fancy decorations all around -- there
must at first come the Wondrous Christmas Tree.
Standing somajestically from the floor up to the roof.
Quite perfectly hand-picked and just as nearly childproof. The
smell is more than pine -- it’s more like fresh snow-covered woods.
Filled with anxious anticipation, the culmination of childhood. But if that’s not quite
enough -- strings of electric brilliance are wrapped ‘round and ‘round.
Ornaments and candy canes keep children exquisitely spellbound. And up upon the
very top an angel sits so daintily -- watching over
everyone and
the Wondrous
Christmas Tree.
I hope, sir, you will forgive my teasing. I do think highly of your works and am proud that your work is finally displayed within this newsletter. Now, for the rest of you, take note, please, that in this work we have both form and color. Although this work would have been just as pleasant without both, it has its own special place. I would also like to note this work has an average 5.0 rating. Bravo, sir!
Okay time to look at the professionals. Though it is not my normal approach, you will probably find me referring you to a link with these items because the graphics do not copy into the newsletter easily. Our first is from 1832 and the illustration is made by hand. It is called “Impending Doom” by Wihelm Busch. http://rivertext.com/busch.shtml . Perhaps this is enough to persuade some that artwork and poetry have gone together for a very long time.
Now let’s look at a Haiku http://www.flyingfishes.net/haiga/hg26.html . Do you think without the illustration it would be easier or perhaps very difficult to make sense of this poem? I do not wish to wear out the point, but, in my most humble opinion, using illustrations, punctuation, color, or any other form that emphasizes the point you are trying to make within your work should be acceptable to others. Our Writing.Com poets are no less talented than the poets who have achieved fame using all of the tricks of the trade to get the desired picture into the head of the reader.
One last example for your consideration http://www.drsue.com/iamloved.html Susan Horowitz, uses illustration and poetry to bring the sunshine back into our lives.
With this I reluctantly wrap up this edition. I encourage you to follow your heart in your poetry. It is true that your poetry may never be for everybody, but, being realistic, if you could sell it to twenty five percent of the people on the earth, um…could I have a loan?
This edition is yours!
Tip of the day: Try writing for yourself!
I am always at your service.
Becky L Simpson
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The following members of Writing.Com are some of my favorite poets on Writing.Com. They exhibit and understanding and skill that, simply put, amaze me. I hope those I have forgotten will forgive me, but as time goes on and my memory prods, me this list will change.
Vivian 
reblackwell
COUNTRYMOM-JUST REMEMBER ME 
Ann Ticipation
Tornado Day
b_boonstra
daycare
SUGGESTED READINGS:
My suggested readings for this month are the entries from last month’s contest:
| |  | Traps (E)
Inspired by living once again in civilization after a period of homelessness.
#613154 by Pen Name |
| |  | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#1088131 by Not Available. |
| | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#289376 by Not Available. |
I am having a bit of trouble deciding a winner. How about some of you readers help me decide. Send your comments to me via email.
CONTESTS:
This issue’s challenge is all or nothing: I will give 20,000 points to the best illustrated work of poetry. I will be the only judge, and as such, I would ask you to submit your work to me by email in bitem format. One entry per poet please! Good luck!
LAST MONTH’S CONTEST:
The winner from last month’s contest has not been decided. They will be ready this week and the winner notified. Thank you for entering and keep writing.
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Questions and comments from last week, my thanks to those who wrote in:
Submitted By: Michael Wonch
Submitted Comment:
This was one kick-xxx newsletter! Well done!
Mike,
Thank you for the compliment. I apologize for editing your comment but, I thought it better for the general audience nature of this newsletter. – hugs Becky
Submitted By: larryp
Submitted Comment:
A really good newsletter Becky.
The subject of the Plains Indians has always fascinated me. You are correct, I have no Native American Indian heritage.
A man in Kansas, Don Coldsmith, wrote a series of over twenty books called the Spanish Bit Saga, which is very good reading on this the topic of Native American Indians. Also, here at writing.com, dinahanne (3) is another poet who seems to have a good grasp on their religious beliefs, which she expresses in her poetry.
Great job, Becky.
Larry
Hi Larry,
Thank you sir, for the kind words, you and the other readers truly surprised me with the response to this newsletter. Apparently Indian life and literature hold a great deal of interest for many of us. I also wish to thank you for the information you provided above. I for my part will be sure to check them both out. – Hugs Becky
Submitted By: Musings (musings) (ID #0)
Submitted Comment:
Dear Becky,
I am not Native American, but for some reason always had an affinity for all things Indian. I especially like the South Western, Hopi and their ancients the Anazstasi(can't remember correct spelling)
The newsletter inspired me to write my own native American poem. Stop over to Musings and let me know what u think. Did I read about a contest? I'm a newbie here but maybe I'll enter it. Thanks for the inspiration.
Fran
Hi Fran,
I am glad that your muse was fired up by the newsletter. I will indeed come by and check on your port. I also saw you entered the contest, good luck! Thank you for writing and making my day. - Hugs Becky
Submitted By: monty31802
Submitted Comment:
I would just like to comment on what a wonderful experience this Newsletter was to read. The tribute to the Indians knowledge and that passed on to the white man. I think most know it but think of it far too seldom.
Hi Monty,
 Sir [ , ] you seem to have become a regular reader of these newsletters. Not that I am complaining, it is readers such as you that assure me that I should keep trying to bring my own perspective to each of you. Thank you for your kind comments. Hugs – Becky
Submitted By: billwilcox
Submitted Comment:
A very well-put-together newsletter, Becky...thanks!
Hi W.D.,
I truly must find a way to add some of your works to one of these soon. You are quite the poet and I think your work well worth highlighting. Until I do thank you for reading and for your very kind comments. You are most welcome sir! – Hugs Becky
Submitted By: SaxonLass
Submitted Comment:
Becky,
Just to say I thoroughly enjoyed the poetry newsletter about the poetry of the Native Indians.
Well done.
Saxonlass
Hi Saxonlass,
I must say this was one of the more enjoyable newsletters for me to write. I have always loved the works of Native American Indians. In almost every aspect of their lives I have found something worthwhile of study. I am glad you enjoyed the newsletter and thank you for the kind comments. – Hugs Becky
To the rest of you kind readers who made comments about last month’s newsletter; thank you. If it were not for your kind words I would be inclined to find another way to spend the time I spend here.
If you have a question, comment or just an observation concerning this edition of the Poetry Newsletter please feel free to send it to me. I would also like our poetry newsletter readers to send me their favorite poem. Please include the poet’s name. I prefer poets from Writing.Com.
Next weeks editor:Stormy Lady 
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Poetry: April 26, 2006 Issue [#1002]
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