Poems and Poetry - The Heart of a Poet
77Poetry Has Form and Structure
Poets have been writing poetry since time began. Poems begin in the head and heart, not with the pen. A poet is not necessarily someone who writes poems, but is someone who sees the world poetically, and is able to express it by way of language.
Most people can compose a poem, but the simple act of writing doesn't make a poet. A poet looks at the world and sees poetry, in everything, and is able to express it with specific language. A visual artist may see the world through images and is able to express it with paint. A musician may hear the world and express it with sounds.
A poet therefore, must be able to use language to convey emotion, depth, reality, fantasy, hope, despair, love, death, illusion.
Without poetry, humanity has nowhere to hang its soul. A good poem can give us hope or laughter, tears, joy. A great poem can remind us of the magnitude of life itself. Life is so multidimensional, if we dare to enter into the life of a poem.
How Is a Poet Inspired?
The poet has the task of crafting language in order to give inspiration, in whatever form, to the reader. The world is the poets canvas. There are some poems waiting to be born, begging to be written. A poet will know when this happens.
A poet can be inspired at any moment, in the most unlikely environments, by the most seemingly, non-poetic topics or situations.
It could be the look in the eye of a passerby, or the sound of a unrelenting wind, the horrific image of a war torn road, the causal glance into the blue of the sky, the complexity of disease or famine, the beauty of love or its painful departure. Poetry is the ability to express what readers need to feel.
Part One: Life ~ V1~
"If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain."Emily Dickinson ~
The heart of a poet belongs to the world. A poet writes for the masses realizing the reader is an individual. Once the poem is written and published for others to read and discover, now the poem belongs to the reader.
It is this relationship between the reader and the poem that is the very heart of a poet. A reader will bring what he brings to the poem and make it meaningful. The poet’s work is accomplished. A poem is like any work of art in this respect, it has individual meaning in understanding and perception.
How to Read a Poem and Fall in Love with Poetry - Ed Hirsch
 | This is an excellent book written by the well-known poet-teacher, Ed Hirsch. Reading it will both educate and inspire those who read and write poetry. Amazon Price: $2.79 List Price: $15.00 |
The Heart of a Poet
I have written poems in which readers assumed I was writing about a personal experience. This is certainly not always the case. A poet must be able to write in such a manner that it conveys a real experience that may be universal in feeling. And of course, poets will use real life experiences as inspiration, and yet be able to separate themselves from the poem and appeal to the whole of humanity.
Composing a poem requires skill, knowledge of language, styles of poetry and figures of speech, feeling, and a selflessness, wanting to express. A poet must read poetry.
A Noiseless, Patient Spider~
" NOISELESS, patient spider,
I mark'd, where, on a little promontory, it stood, isolated;
Mark'd how, to explore the vacant, vast surrounding,
It launch'd forth filament, filament, filament, out of itself;
Ever unreeling them--ever tirelessly speeding them.
And you, O my Soul, where you stand,
Surrounded, surrounded, in measureless oceans of space,
Ceaselessly musing, venturing, throwing,--seeking the spheres, to connect them;
Till the bridge you will need, be form'd--till the ductile anchor hold;
Till the gossamer thread you fling, catch somewhere, O my Soul."
Walt Whitman~
Poetry is the lifeblood of civilization, giving it meaning and reason, hopelessness, joy, depravity, serenity, humor, recklessness and abandon, humility, compassion, love, death, life, a sense of purpose. The heart of a poet weaves a thread of humanity throughout the world. Enjoy it, read it often, compose it with love and respect.
love, light ~ rebekahELLE
The Raven - Edgar Allen Poe - (a favorite of mine)
Poems and Poetry Links
- Iambic Pentameter & Chaucer « PoemShape
The trick to recognizing Chaucer’s use of Iambic Pentameter in Canterbury Tales is in knowing how to pronounce the words. - Poems and Poetry - Books, Literature, and Writing - HubPages.com
Poems and poetry have a long and respected tradition as an art form. Poetry is certainly one of the more interesting art forms. The rules of poetry can be difficult for a novice to grasp. - How to Write Poetry - Creative Writing Lessons
How to write poetry - a step-by-step guide. Free writing lessons for new authors. Learn creative writing techniques and how to avoid common mistakes. - Great Poems to Teach- Poets.org - Poetry, Poems, Bios & More
A resource from the Academy of American Poets with thousands of poems, essays, biographies, weekly features, and poems for love and every occasion - Edward Hirsch- Poets.org - Poetry, Poems, Bios & More
Edward Hirsch was born in Chicago in 1950 and educated both at Grinnell College and the University of Pennsylvania, where he received a Ph.D. in folklore.
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Very good hub and you have said it so well, about the heart of a poet... Most poets are deep thinkers, speak from the heart and soul, and can put immense imagery and feeling into their words...
I always say: a Poem is a painting with words
Terri
Petra, Thank you for such a beautiful comment. I know you understand perfectly what I mean and you have expressed it well. Your poetry is some of my favorite here at HP. Your hub about writing sounds interesting. I will be sure to read it! Yes, I like your last words, just take me there, the very essence of a poem.
Hi Terishere, thank you. I think you're right about poets being deep thinkers. And I love the concept of a poem being a painting with words. So very true.
Hi Rebekah, I like the "where humanity hangs its soul." Poe seemed to get his inspiration from "many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore." Sometimes when I read what someone else experienced or hear a song, it sets me to writing too.
Where are you muse, that sits on my soul
Biding your time, hiding your smile
My soul is silent, show your face
And smile into me and I will paint the world with wonder
No ivory filled hall, no castle of stone
But I will build you dreams
Gateways to stars and galaxies
And a path by a brook
Where you may sit among the green grass
While I hold you with my words
Like that I guess. =:)
Full of information and beautiful. I loved "Without poetry, humanity has nowhere to hang its soul." Well written and engaging.
Thanks Winsome, I'm always delighted to see your visit. Poe was one of the first real poets that inspired me to read and write poetry. I was fascinated by his imagery and use of metaphors. I remember having to memorize Annabelle Lee in elementary school. I have always loved his poetry.
You certainly have the poetic muse working for you. Your poems are so beautiful. I always enjoy reading them. Thanks for sharing this poem in the comment section for others to enjoy! xo
Hi LA! Thanks for reading and sharing such a nice comment.
I'm happy you enjoyed reading and found it engaging! I appreciate your words and time. :]
How lovely rE. I'm one of those people who needs educating when it comes to appreciating and really understanding poetry. I have no problem with Poe's poetry and The Raven is one of my favorites,so thanks for the video!
I love poetry. Your 'Heart of a poet' is interesting and well defined. Thank you......
I have great respect for poets. This was a wonderful, informative article. Thank you for the excellent information.
What a beautiful and insightful Hub, RebekahELLE. I love good poetry, too, and I think you've conveyed what makes a truly great poet so powerful. I'm a big fan of Wislawa Szymborska, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1996.
I'm so glad that I found this inspiring hub. I do believe that the simple act of writing doesn't make a poet, but a great mind with a big heart and soul does. Emily Dickinson is one of my favorites. She really had the greatest ability to draw the reader into her wonderful imagery world.
Thank you!
Sannel
Thanks GL, I think one of the keys in understanding poetry is realizing it's for the reader to interpret. Too often, readers try to interpret it from the poet's mindset, which sometimes is impossible. The book suggested above by Ed Hirsch is a great resource and can also be found at libraries also. He covers a lot of poets and poems and it's very helpful. Thanks for reading and commenting!
@always exploring, thank you! Always happy to meet another poetry lover.
@Pamela, Thanks for reading and taking time to comment. Poets take their work seriously and it's always nice to see when hard work and creativity are rewarded. Most poets are simply happy to have others read and enjoy their work.
Firstly I agree with all the wonderful comments above mine here. A Poet draws from many resources around him/her. The world is our palette to paint the verses we do. I draw from personal experiences, the bad, good and the ugly. I mediate on my words and my Muse will eventually come out of the dark shadows to place quill in hand and have me sit and scribe.
Life and death is Poetry and we draw from a very deep well. This is a very interesting Hub you created here and I admire your talent as a creative writer as well as a brilliant Poet. Well done, Bravo...rated UP..
livelonger, thank you so much! I'm not familiar with a lot of her work, but will read some of her poems. I love finding favorites of others. Poets have such a way of extending their voice beyond the borders. We can learn much from these great writers.
@sannel, I'm glad you found this hub also and enjoyed reading. Emily Dickensen has such an extensive work of poetry and it's pure pleasure for anyone who enjoys reading poetry. I agree!
This is outstanding commentary, poetry and teaching.
Great imagery in poetry puts the poet right there with
the artist who paints a picture. The poet lets you see
the painting through choice of words, flow and continuity. Thanks for posting this gem. Robert aka
Cottonwood Poet
Hi Rebekah, you have captured the very essence of how a poet transforms his thoughts through his words into breathtaking pictures for the reader. Poet's have to feel with their heart and soul to create amazing images and deep emotions through words.
A most inspirational piece to read.
Leokadia (Lee) aka Undercover Angel
saddlewriter, It's so nice to see you here. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and such meaningful comments. I look forward to sharing the Poetry panel with you in the up and coming Patron of the Arts contest. I'm sure we're going to read some very fine poetry!
@Roberthewettsr, thanks so much for your comment! It means a lot to me. It's very nice to meet another poet! I like your name, Cottonwood Poet, very nice imagery.
@Leokadia Durmaj, Thank you for reading and taking the time to leave such a nice comment. How very nice to meet an Undercover Angel.
Hi, rebekah, GREAT READ. Wonderfully-written. Thank you for sharing your grand talent with us. Love the lay-out too. Have a great life and keep up the great work.
Sincerely,
Kenneth Avery, Hamilton, AL.
I love poem and I love this hub. Very inspiring hub and I hope I can make a beautiful poem for us. Well done, my friend. Vote up!
Prasetio
I, too am a poet and your words seep into my soul. It's the little things in life: a breeze, a sunset, a hummingbird seeking nectar from your garden, along with deep emotions and the results thereof; elation, dissapointment, hatred, negativity, hope, love of God. The poet is inspired by life. And even death. It's nice to have found a kindred soul!
Kenneth, Thanks for reading and taking time to leave such a nice comment! I'm so glad you enjoyed the hub. It's so nice to meet other hubbers by way of comments! Enjoy HP!
@prasetio, so very nice to see you! I'm sure with your writing talent that you could compose a fantastic poem. Your hubs are always well done! Cheers and thank you!
@bravewarrior, It's always nice to meet a kindred soul. I hope you plan to enter some poems in the up and coming HubPages Patron of the Arts writing contest. It will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase your work. Enjoy!
I like your definition of a poet! Also, the interaction between poet and reader...that is the reward to gain. I shall follow you to read more. Thank you very much for sharing your beautiful expressive words.
As a matter of fact, I will be submitting in the upcoming contest. I'm looking forward to it and possibly getting some feedback from you, as well!
You know, this was most helpful and reads in a way that is not just inspirational but understandable (to me) Thank you Rebekah
In no way is this comment a reflection that you are a judge for the upcoming November contest ha XO
Thanks frogyfish. I plan to write more about the interaction between the poet and the reader as soon as I have a decent block of time to write. It's as much a part of the poem, as the poem itself. A poem is not complete without the reader.
I'm glad you enjoyed the hub!
@bravewarrior, I look forward to reading your submissions!
@kimberlyslyrics, Thanks for reading and I'm happy that you found it inspirational and understandable. I'm sure you will have some fantastic entries in the contest. You have a natural way with language and communicating with the reader! Enjoy the process. xo
My favorite lines: "There are some poems waiting to be born, begging to be written. A poet will know when this happens. I used to have so many begging to be written, but I'm finding it harder to write poetry when I'm happy. I still see the world as poet sees it, but nothing jumps up in my soul and says, "Write me" anymore. Voted up and awesome.
at a loss of words...so glad to find a world school
WannaB, I know what you mean. When it seems like nothing is begging to be written, that's when you can choose whatever you want, and go to your favorite place to write. If there still is nothing, look around, use all of your senses and see what happens. Taking a walk helps me. Thanks for reading and your comments!
@goego, so glad you found the hub helpful! It also includes some helpful, informative poetry links. Thanks!
Wow, what can I say.. what a great piece on being a poet.. My experiences in life bad or good has brought so many words to me straight from my soul.. Whether good or bad the thoughts and expressions brings forth my feelings and helps me emotionally..I thank you for your writing and helping us all to express what we are thinking.. To be there in our minds and deep in our souls.. The words jump out onto the page to bring to life what we see. Thanks again. Deborah
"Most people can compose a poem, but the simple act of writing doesn't make a poet."
How true you are.
Though my most read hubs are poems, I do not consider myself poet.
Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Vinaya, I've read your poems. Not only do you have a poet's soul, you have the heart, the language and the voice that makes a poet stand out from the rest. Keep composing your very fine poems.
This hub is great! It really explains what poetry is. I can really relate to you saying: "I have written poems in which readers assumed I was writing about a personal experience. This is certainly not always the case." I really enjoyed reding this hub.
This was an excellent hub. Your statements about poets and poetry were perfectly true.
An artist without paint is how I see a poet. An artist with words.
Thank you for this wonderful hub
Made, thank you! Poems can be inspired from so many different sources, can't they? I'm glad you enjoyed reading this hub and found it helpful.
Thanks Dim, I think the same is true. I like to think of a poet being a word artist. Words become so meaningful in a poetic setting. Thanks for reading and commenting. :))
What a wonderful article to come across. Thank you so much for sharing this. Loved this, "Without poetry, humanity has nowhere to hang its soul."
kclaar, thanks for your sincere comment. I can feel it in your words! I'm so glad that you enjoyed it. :)
excelelnt work. I've written about this very subject many times and I think you complimented what I have to say on the subject. To me, poetry captures an image or moment in time and turns the abstract (let's say, Love) into something concrete (say, a mother holding a new born child.)
well done!
Loved, loved, loved this hub! But then I am partial to poetry!
Very beautiful and my favorite poems ever. Blessings, Debby
Not only did I enjoy reading this hub I also enjoyed reading all the comments and your more than eloquent responses. 'The raven' was an excellent choice to close this great hub, thanks for sharing!
Awesome and so true, wow, I loved this piece of work, as you read it you feel the expression of what you are writing about.... love it, great work..lyns
Thanks PDX. I'll have to drop by and read more of your poetry work. I think you summed it up well with your example of love. Perfect!
Thank you Audrey, you are exactly who this hub is written for, those who love and appreciate poetry!
Thanks Debby. Isn't it so powerful how very effective poems remain with us forever?
So nice to see you leni! Thank you so much, and I'm happy to hear you enjoyed reading this hub and the generous comments.
HP has such a fantastic arts community that is very active and supportive. Christopher Walkin has the perfect voice to recite The Raven, doesn't he?
lyns, thanks! That's a great compliment you've shared!
@PDXKarokeGuy, an appreciative shout-out for sharing my hub! :)
You have written about poetry and poets so very well. Loved your hub. Voted up.
rebekah - I absolutely loved this Hub. You used the most poetic of prose to describe poetry, the poet's vision, and his/her responsibility to the eventual, but as yet unseen and unknown reader. Marvelously lyrical and inspiring writing. :)
BTW - I have certainly noticed and greatly appreciate when you SHARE one of my Hubs and I am grateful for your reference to my work in the Forums. Thank you kindly. :)
Thanks for reading Vellur and phdast7. I appreciate your comments.
phd, Thanks so much. It's really nice to hear from a college professor. I wrote this in preparation for the HubPages Patron of the Arts contest last November. I served as one of the members of the poetry panel. It was an amazing experience reading so many poems. I'm glad you enjoyed the selections I used in this hub. I think they are both perfectly penned.
My pleasure to share your hubs!
Petra Vlah Level 3 Commenter 7 months ago
BRAVO my dear
I am so glad you wrote this meaningful hub and expressed so eloquently the essence of poetry and the heart of a poet. Too often people consider rhythm as being an intrinsic part of poetry and ignore the most important part of it – the metaphor – which is the only thing that separates poetry from prose.
Poetry is a subtle form of refined thinking and implied emotional participation and by no means should it ever be a closed ended statement or a declaration of sentiment.
Some time ago I wrote a hub “What it takes to be a great writer” and as an explanation of poetic abilities I mentioned the necessity of the poet to draw the reader into the poet’s personal universe; “don’t tell me about a beautiful sunset, JUST TAKE ME THERE”