This week: The Allure of Darkness Edited by: Booo-rooke  
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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. |
The Allure of Darkness
Dark poetry occupies a unique and provocative place in the poetry landscape. Yet, it is often misunderstood and sometimes marginalized. For those that give it a chance, its power to evoke deep emotion and reflection is undeniable.
The tradition of dark poetry traces back centuries, from the melancholic verses of Edgar Allan Poe to the existential musings of Sylvia Plath to one of the most important Spanish dramatists of the twentieth century, Federico García Lorca. They each gave voice to the struggles of their times, challenging social norms and offering new perspectives on pain and beauty. Far from being merely bleak or nihilistic, dark poetry can offer readers solace and connection. In an age of curated perfection and digital facades, it provides a space for stark thoughts and raw honesty. Dark poems remind us that suffering and uncertainty are universal and that there is dignity in facing our shadows. They encourage empathy and help build bridges between disparate experiences, making the genre not only artistically valuable but also socially relevant.
The poet that many of us associate with dark poetry is likely Edgar Allan Poe. While some dark poetry is truly dark (Gacela of the Dark Death, I’m looking at you), many pieces take on a sad or wistful tone. That is because dark poetry delves into the shadowy aspects of human experience. It addresses grief, loss, despair, fear, death, and often, the darker side of love.
Despite its significance, dark poetry is sometimes dismissed as morbid or sensationalist. Some critics argue that it fosters negativity or despair. However, such views overlook the healing potential of acknowledging pain and trauma. By articulating the feelings, dark poetry can help individuals process difficult emotions and discover meaning in adversity. Rather than shunning the darkness, we should embrace the courage it takes to reveal it. Instead of shying away from uncomfortable truths, through dark poetry, you can confront those topics head-on, using vivid imagery and haunting metaphors to bring their subjects to life. True dark poetry does not glorify the darkness; instead, it seeks to understand and articulate it, providing readers with a mirror to help recognize and even understand their own vulnerabilities.
During the Fall season, many writing challenges embrace dark writing. This is the perfect time of year to explore the allure of dark poetry. I encourage you to take the time to examine its cultural significance (I found Lorca's life story to be particularly interesting) and advocate for its recognition as a vital form of artistic expression.
If you run across a great dark poem, why not share it with us by utilizing the comment box at the bottom of this newsletter.
Until next time,
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Please enjoy the following dark pieces I found this month.
No truce within our bitter hearts,
no gauze for wounds to bind.
We stitch the thing that we would break
in frayed and rotten twine.
~  ~
There need be no real dying of the light.
While some may claim cold blindness, lost in gray,
Alone and screaming, crying in the night;
~ ~
| | | Hind [13+] #2347752
Hind was a five-year old Palestinian girl in Gaza killed by Israeli forces,with her family
by Samm  |
I thought he didn't
Hear what I said
So, I leaned on him
And turned his head
But dad couldn't hear me
Because he was dead
~ ~
Little Miss No Name,
ivory candle-wax skin,
hog-snouted nose,
chestnut curls a tumbleweed.
~ ~
You never forget that moment.
The one that doesn’t arrive with thunder,
but with silence
that suddenly weighs too much.
~ ~
As luminescence tumbles into the shadows,
the translations of life become an evil fate
dedicated to darkness.
~ ~
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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 received for "The Machinery of Poetry" - Thank you to both of you for sharing your feedback!
Claevyan
Sometimes we find ourselves writing a poem in a form or structure that makes sense, to the author, but no one has really seen before.
I've several examples of a style I started using that I liked and later discovered wasn't a "formal" style at all, but something wholy unique.
Jeffrey Meyer 
Outstanding newsletter on poetic devices! I used to write a lot of poetry; my creative writing teacher (decades ago) supported me well. Had I had this newsletter available at the time, God only knows how much literary trouble I would have gotten myself into. Brilliant!
--Jeffrey
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Poetry: October 08, 2025 Issue [#13387]
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