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Poetry is part of what authors write, so it needs some coverage in this newsletter, too, and after reading an interesting article by Dr. Peter Pereira, I thought poetry deserved an issue.
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The Need for Poetry
“It is difficult to get the news from poems, yet men die miserably every day for lack of what is found there.” -William Carlos Williams (1883-1963)
Poetry does have a place in our world, a necessary place. Less and less do we find poetry taught in schools, and many people say poetry doesn’t belong in our lives. That idea is wrong, sadly wrong. However, a resurgence of teaching literature and poetry has occurred, even to teaching literature to medical students and others in the health-care fields, according to Dr. Pereira.
The study and writing of poetry brings much to our lives. The Rev. H. C. Beeching agrees in “An Address on the Teaching of Poetry” Ambleside Online because the study of poetry sharpens powers of observation and helps one store memories. He states, “...the purpose of poetry is to communicate or extend the joy of life by quickening our emotions.”
Peter Pereira, MD, writes in “The healing power of poetry,” The Writer March 2007, that “the reading and writing of poems can help us (physicians) develop empathy and thus become better doctors.” Empathy is defined as an emotional connection and understanding. Therefore, Beeching and Pereira agree on that point: the purpose of poetry helps with emotional understanding.
Pereira goes on to say that since physicians have less time with their patients than ever, they need to develop listening and interpretive skills. The study of poetry, especially the lyric poem, may be an way for students to learn needed skills.
Empathy is using one’s imagination to be in another’s position. Poetry exercises one’s powers of imagination as well as helping to gain skill in the use of language. Doctors, nurses, aides, as well as family members, friends, and business people need those skills.
Two other things Pereira believes to be true about the purpose and need for poetry are that reading and writing poetry can help patients facing life-threatening or life-altering illness. I addressed this in my article “Writing through Troublesome Times.” Poetry helps a person to “vent” and to pour emotions onto paper or computer screen, and then to manage the emotions and pain involved.
Pereira’s third idea is that the reading and writing of poetry can help heal the world. The quote I used to start this article addresses that thought to some extent. The doctor states, “Poetry of witness has long been a way that cultures and civilizations all over the world remember things – their war stories, the cultural milestones – and give voice to the oppressed or the disappeared.”
A way to bring some healing not only to individuals, but to the world, gives poetry a purpose and a need that can’t be ignored.
I always try to have examples of my writing that illustrates an editorial written by me. The following works were created for emotional release.
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Words from Our Readers
Last month I wrote about editing, proofing, and revising and stated that I don't wait until I'm finished to do any revising. This issue, I've just posted the comments without a direct reply unless a question was asked.
StephBee - House Targaryen 
Amen, Viv. I embrace everything you've mentioned here and I just want to add - it takes time. You, the writer, must have patience. Your product will come around. It's like cooking in a slow cooker. It takes a while the final product is tasty. Smiles, Steph
333rd Legend 
I definitely agree with not waiting until the manuscript is finished before revising or editing and correcting errors as soon as possible, but what I have found works for me, as far as editing or revising as you go along is, is by writing the first draft longhand. Then, after each chapter or section is completed, I wait about a week and then type it up on the computer with a fresh mind and I often catcl sentences that made sense when I wrote them originally, do not make any sense when I reread them, and since I am already writing it all over anyway I dont feel distraught for having to go back and fix it.
Also for a more in depth tips on editing and revising, check out Coles' Write and Get Published.
May your dreams guide you.
333rd Legend
Topazknight
A suggestion, if I may. Never use the term 'wanna-be' unless you seek to insult those you speak to. It implies 'never will be' to my ears. Even as a published songwriter I found insult in it. Use instead 'aspirant.
Puppycat
This was good advice. Thank you. Now I want to know something else. If you are a publisher, do you read what is on this site for possible writers you might want to publish? Just curious.
No, we reply on submissions for material to publish. We don't have time to search for items.
Joshiahis
Wow. This issue was a large pill to swallow. That was a lot of information, and all the links you provided provided even more help to us wanna-be's Wink
~Lee
Ooops, maybe should read the comment above about wanna-bes. Which, by the way, was not meant to insult anyone. But no one can please everyone. *sigh*
diamond_hoop
I agree wholeheartedly with your statements about editing and rewriting BEFORE submitting a piece. I "edited" my debut novel 20 times, "rewrote" it twice, and cut 23,000 words from the original draft, all before having an editor friend look at it for anything I might have missed. Yep, I missed a few things. Additionally, I edit/revise "as I go" - one more key point on which I agree with you.
Red Writing Hood <3 
Excellent editorial, Viv. One I printed to post near my computer to view when editing, and writing.
maryelle
I couldn't agree more, I have ream upon ream of revisions -- by the way shredded, they make wonderful mulch. Every time a review makes sense and helps me improve as a writer, it is adopted. The review page stapled to the version it changed, and filed for future reference for improvement the next time I write. Thanks for the article. Great job. Thumbsup
Raine
I do go back over what I've written and correct the typos, the missed words and awkward sentences. Beyond that, I save for the end. For me, if I go back and start doing in depth revising, I forget to finish writing. The editor half of my brain doesn't get along with the creative half of my brain. Correct and smooth, yes. But it's a personal habit and not one that works for everyone.
billwilcox
Vivi,
Words of Wisdom, my dear, from one who's been there. This is a keeper newsletter.
Thanks, everyone for the comments and suggestions.
Until next month, I hope you find that your writing and reading enjoyment increases.
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For Authors: October 29, 2008 Issue [#2685]
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