Blog #2: Poetry
Although writing poetry is not something I do on a regular basis, I find that it helps me process difficult emotions that arise when disappointing experiences manifest in my life. Writing poetry feels less restrictive because, even if I want to adapt my thoughts and feelings into a particular structure or form, I can simply modify them. By contrast, writing about poetry requires stepping into the poet’s mind and analyzing the poetic devices they have used to convey a theme. While many poems have an explicit meaning, our subjective interpretations clarify or add to their meaning. I think the key similarity between writing poetry and writing about it is that both are creative processes; we have to be selective about the words we use to express our ideas so that it creates the emotional impact we want it to.
When writing my own poetry, I consider my writing process when I explicate poems. Poetic devices play an important role in shaping a poem’s central message, so I try to select ones that highlight the main idea I want to convey. By the same token, when I write about poetry, I read each stanza (if there are several) carefully and make note of any poetic devices that stand out to me. I also pay attention to the poem’s form, length, and word choice, as these tell me how emotionally-charged the poem is and whether there is a story-like quality to it.
I love the idea of having students demonstrate their understanding through a creative medium because this kind of assignment both encourages higher order thinking and gives them the opportunity to write about their lived experiences or anything that interests or inspires them. In addition, having students present their poems in front of the class fosters inclusivity and helps teachers get to know their students and students get to know each other.
Hey Aida!
ReplyDeleteI think that it's really interesting that you think of writing about poetry as a creative process. I kind of have the opposite opinion. To me it doesn't feel creative at all. I look at creative writing as a place where I have unlimited freedom. It's something where I am able to express myself however I want. I feel very constrained by this type of essay as there are many forms and conventions that we must follow. I split it up into academic and creative writing. I think also I am a bit biased as I am much more of a creative writer than an academic one. I love writing fiction and poetry. As you said, it can help you take those strong emotions from life and help you express them in a healing way. I hope to impart this kind of feeling onto my students in my classes. I want them to be able to find refuge in writing as opposed to just work. Great post!
Hi Aida,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. Writing poetry came easier for me, though it still had its challenges. When writing an explication you really do have to assume the role of the poet you are writhing about. Unless they have explicitly stated it somewhere in their writing, there is no way to really know what the author’s intent was. I did like what you said about the similarities between both though. Explicating and composing your own poetry is a creative process and we have to be selective with our language. You do not want to misrepresent the poet’s intentions and words, but you also want to make sure that your message gets across. I also like the idea of students writing their own poetry in the classroom but I also think I would want them to do a mini explication. Them expressing themselves and getting in touch with their creative side is important but I think it would be beneficial for them to explicate a poem so that they understand how and why a poem is written, how it came to be, and what techniques were used to make them poem stand out.
Awesome work!
Hi Adia!
ReplyDeleteYes, poetry is very useful when you need a way to process your emotions and a place to escape. I truly believe poetry is a form of expression and even if you dont feel like sharing it, its always a fun and creative way to jot down deep emotional feelings. In terms of explicating a poem, it can be difficult. Like you stated, its hard to assume what the poet's meaning behind their poem truly is, but that is what i like about it the most. I think making your own interpretation of the poem is beautiful because you are taking someones words and finding your own meaning to it, demonstrating what the poem means to you, and how it makes you, the reader, feel. I also agree with you when you say writing poetry can bring emotions to life, it really is a strong form of expressing oneself.