Reading poetry

Hi there

I’m impressed Alex that you have shared your poetry with us and amazed that even quite early on in your English learning that you began to write poems in English. You obviously have a strong creative urge. Do you read and write poetry in Russian?

I agree with you when you say that it’s difficult to read poetry and learn from it and also sometimes to understand it. Poets play with language and consciously break the “rules” to create style. Of course some poetry is actually beautiful in its simplicity, for example one of my favourite poems; "This Is Just to Say" by William Carlos Williams is very accessible and much of its beauty lies in this simplicity. I’m not sure about the copyright so I’m afraid I can’t quote it for you here.

I don’t write poetry myself and have to say although I like it very much, I don’t read it as much as I did when I was younger. This is largely due to laziness as often I go for the easier route of reading fiction or biography. I think that reading poetry for me does take a bit more mental discipline as I have to think a lot more! The thinking is actually enjoyable and creative once I start the process!


Tricia

Patterns and Lexis from today;

A strong creative urge ( a desire to express original and imaginative ideas)

To consciously break the rules ( to play with language rules to create a poetic effect)

To be accessible (easy to understand)

Mental discipline ( to make yourself think)

the copyright ( the legal right to reproduce the poem)

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