  Poetry
This week: Edited by: terryjroo
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In the "Poetry Newsletter (January 3, 2007)" I threw this out in the Ask and Answer section:
Send in a comment telling me your favorite poet and tell me why they’re your favorite. If you inspire me enough to write a newsletter about your choice, I’ll send you a Merit Badge.
I received several responses, which I posted in the "Poetry Newsletter (January 31, 2007)" . One of the responses struck my fancy, and I’m using that response to segue into this newsletter. So, please, read on!
Robert Waltz  wrote: “Great newsletter, Terry! Well researched. You asked for a favorite poet? Leonard Cohen (only because Bruce Springsteen is technically a lyricist and not a poet). Cohen is also known as a singer-songwriter, but his lyrics use the conventions of poetry more than songwriting. I call his works my favorite because they deal with life on a level that is both spiritual and mundane at the same time, and his personal struggles take on epic qualities when translated into poetry.
The rain falls down on last year's man,
that's a Jew's harp on the table,
that's a crayon in his hand.
And the corners of the blueprint are ruined since they rolled
far past the stems of thumbtacks
that still throw shadows on the wood.
And the skylight is like skin for a drum I'll never mend
and all the rain falls down amen
on the works of last year's man.”
Last Year’s Man
Copyright © 1971 Leonard Cohen
and Sony/ATV Music Publishing Canada Company |
| ASIN: 197380364X |
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Amazon's Price: $ 15.99
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** Image ID #1172432 Unavailable **
Lyrics as Poetry
Do lyrics qualify as poetry? Are lyricists also poets? Many people believe that they are, indeed, poets and that their songs are a form of poetry in many cases. I am one of those people, and I took an opportunity to ask Robert Waltz his thoughts on the subject.
Me: So, can I do sort of a mock interview with you to put in the newsletter?
RW: You would mock ME??!
Me: Only to your face, of course!!
RW: Now Suzanne takes your hand
And she leads you to the river
She is wearing rags and feathers
From Salvation Army counters
And the sun pours down like honey
On our lady of the harbour
And she shows you where to look
Among the garbage and the flowers
There are heroes in the seaweed
There are children in the morning
They are leaning out for love
And they will lean that way forever
While Suzanne holds the mirror
Me: Is that from a song of Leonard's?
RW: Yes, probably one of his most famous. "Suzanne"
Me: What do you think he is trying to say in that passage?
RW: I suck at interpreting poetry. I just like the imagery. But here's an interesting article about the song/poem: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzanne_%28Leonard_Cohen_song%29
Me: Okay, I’ll read it along with the readers on Wednesday! lol Do you think that lyricists are poets?
RW: This isn't a mock interview anymore. Yes, I think that the greatest lyricists are poets. Bruce Springsteen, of course. Tom Waits. Bob Dylan. Dar Williams. Adam Duritz of Counting Crows. And of course Cohen. You can have a perfectly-structured song - whatever that is - and if the lyrics are ultimately meaningless, all you have is a catchy tune. But lyrics can transform a song into a living poem.
Me: I agree with you 100%! Of course, people like Brittney Spears don’t fall into the same category as the greatest lyricists, but that goes without saying. A book I have calls the era we’re in (from 1989 - present) the Global Era and lists poets like L.L. Kool J and Ron Silliman as notables. No mention of Cohen. 
RW: Well, Cohen's bright spot was late 60s and 70s.
Me: Unfortunately he’s not mentioned in Postmodern, either.  Of course, that was an era with so many greats, I’m sure that many other books do mention him. He does have a great website, which you directed me to earlier, not knowing I was already there: http://www.leonardcohenfiles.com/ It’s filled with interesting information, especially the Blackening Pages which are from Cohen’s private collection.
RW: I was first introduced to his poetry at 16, and it warped me quite nicely.
Me: Well, I want to thank you for introducing him to me and to our readers. I hope that they will take some time to explore his site as well.
The next time you listen to the radio (Do people still do that?) or a CD or your MP3 player, pay attention to the song’s words, while determining if it’s danceable or not. You may just be surprised at what lies beneath the music. It’s not likely to be Shakespeare, but it may very well be more poetic than some of the poetry you’ve read.
Let your love of poetry shine!
** Image ID #1172426 Unavailable ** |
Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
Don't forget to support our sponsor!
| ASIN: B004PICKDS |
Product Type: Toys & Games
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Lou-Here By His Grace   says: “Sounds like an awesome challenge.
I don't know about a 'How to Write Poetry' book, but I use shadowpoetry.com when I want to try a different style poetry. It doesn't change the words or feelings inside me, but taylors them to a certain format.”
darkin says: “I really liked this newsletter...and the contest sounds neat! Great job, Ter!!!”
SHERRI GIBSON  says: “A great newsletter, Terry, as well as a great poetry challenge!
Love ya,
Sherri”
Thanks for the lovely comments! "Invalid Item" was a success and I will be doing another one towards the end of summer. Look for the announcement in my July newsletter for August!
Question of the month: What’s your favorite poetry form and why?
Next week’s editor is Sophy  ! |
| ASIN: 0910355479 |
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Amazon's Price: $ 13.99
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Poetry: March 28, 2007 Issue [#1628]
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