 Poetry: May 21, 2025 Issue [#13144] |
This week: Misunderstanding Poems Edited by: Brooke  
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| According to Wikipedia, Poetry (from the Greek word poiesis, "making") is a form of literary art that uses aesthetic and often rhythmic qualities of language to evoke meanings in addition to, or in place of, literal or surface-level meanings. Thank you for reading this NL. |
Many beginning poets make the same mistakes. Although poetry can be about an abstract topic, rarely does a good poem consist entirely of abstract rather than concrete imagery. While many beginning writers are fascinated with the power and magic of words, they fail to realize the words may have power but the author has all the control. The author has the vision and has full control over the words. If they don't take the time to choose the exact words to display the visual, they risk the chance of their prose drowning in abstract visuals.
People love to quote Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken" as a poem that immortalizes the choice of "the road less traveled," or the more challenging life path, and will often cite the poem's final line "I took the road less traveled by/and that has made all the difference." However, it's been said that this could be one of the most misunderstood poems of all time.
This I find, like many of Frost's poems, is about decisions. This particular one, about decisions that you know you will question later in life. I shall be telling this with a sigh - Somewhere ages and ages hence: Even the narrator knows that he will second-guess himself somewhere down the line, wondering what would have brought him on the "Other Path". He admits the roads are the same but he's forced to make a decision. In fact, he says Though as for that, the passing there - Had worn them really about the same, To me, this is about looking back and wondering if you took 'the right road' so much more than simply a celebration of taking 'the road less traveled". It feels like many people are missing the point.
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Another poem highlighting decisions is Frost's "Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening". Most people say this is a simple poem and even Frost has admitted he wrote this in a single sitting one evening. If you look beyond the simple imagery and flowing prose, you can see the depth of meaning that Frost was struggling with though.
As you pass through life, do not be tempted by the darkness of the forest ... for you have responsibilities and promises you've made.
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sounds the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
What depth does your poetry show? Do people misunderstand your prose? Do you simply read the words when you read poetry or do you look underneath for the true meaning? Sometimes if you look deep enough, the depth can surprise you. Do you have a favorite poem that you feel means something that most readers don't pick up on? Share it in the comments. I'd love to read it.
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Twice before it shuts
Beneath the wide light
The sign shifted in and out
And formed a bright light
~  ~
I want to know everything
Every secret, every lie,
Every whispered scandal
As it’s brewing, steaming hot.
Please give me the who’s, what’s, how’s
Who kissed, who cheated, who got caught,
What’s hidden in the group chat,
How the rumors caught fire.
~ ~
| | | Two Seeds [13+] #2339396
Two Seeds: Prophetic poem of good vs evil, from creation to judgment, rooted in scripture.
by Noisy Wren  |
There are two heart seeds in the world's slow tide,
one born of woman, one of death's dark pride.
The first blooms in light, with its roots in grace;
the second weaves shade, showing Truth displaced.
They're both frail and fierce, their fate yet untraced.
~ ~
In open air beneath the stars, to try it just one night;
to sleep out back within the yard, the Milky Way in sight.
In fine surround of oak and elm, sans safety of my place,
upon a cot as August air leaves moisture on my face.
~ ~
Seek importance, respect self
Aspire to grow, journal goals
Declare smart roads, safe travel
Give what is good, peaceful souls
~ ~
I had
all the wealth
And I had
all the fame
I had all
the glamour
One life
could contain
~ ~
"Houston," you say
Dazed and amazed
You lost your way
Through infrared rays
Mayday, mayday
~ ~
Love
Hate
Feelings
People have
Seems it’s all we know
Yet there is so much more, although
What would my life be, if it weren’t for love filling it?
~ ~ |
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!
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Feedback sent in for "Expand Word Choice not Word Count"
Monty  said:
Thanks for highlighting my Poem. My word choice is a bank that gets steeper with age.
You're not alone Monty  Thanks for writing in. |
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