Favourite poet

[manfredvijars]

... I fear that the trap for bush poets, looking back to Lawson and Paterson et al, will be to write stuff that gives the impression that nothing has happened to change Australia since 1918.

Take a look at David Campbell, Ron Stevens, and Graham Fredriksen and you'll change your mind ...

[Heather]

Thanks for posting the essay Marty. I found it all interesting but particularly the following sentences.

I would even argue that the search for rhyme (and metre) allows the poem to creep up on you unawares, frees your unconscious, which is where many of the best poems come from.

I'd agree with that statement. A poem tends to find its own way when the metre and right rhymes are found.

Rhyme is so artificial that it suggests insincerity.

The trick is to find a rhyme that isn't artificial. That's not easy but when it's done well it's brilliant.

[Neville Briggs]

I said it was a trap, Manfred. I didn't say everyone fell for it.

Good one Marty. Great wisdom from a very talented bloke. It just shows, as does Les Murrays Quadrant Book of Poetry that the contemporary poetry practice is not some monolithic verse libre, as some think. Or as some might want.

[Bob Pacey]

I'll read that when I've got a day ( or Two ) to spare Marty.


Bob

[Heather]

Just read one word at at time then Bob. You'll be right..

[Bob Pacey]

But some of them words are pretty big Heather.


Three days no drink and I actually feel ok.


Bob

[warooa]

Interesting stuff, Marty . . . thanks for putting it up. Dunno about the bit about

'rhyming is definitely elitist, because it is difficult not everyone can do it'.

Never thought of it as such. Patting your head and rubbing your stomach is difficult too, and not everyone can do it.

Basically you can sum that article up in a few short words: Rhyming is sooooo yesterday

Marty

[Neville Briggs]

I disagree Marty Warooa,

I think the article is saying that contemporary opinion thinks that rhyming is so yesterday but it need not be. Despite the difficulties of English and the temptation to be facile with rhyming, rhyming still has a valuable place in contemporary English poetic creativity. That's how I read it.
And that interpretation is also based in the fact that I am familiar with the author, John Whitworth's, work and he is a dedicated rhymer on the contemporary scene.

[Neville Briggs]

I thought that you showed signs of improving lately...

[manfredvijars]

Three days no drink and I actually feel ok.

I don't think I've eaten in the past three days. But then again I didnt need to. Vodka is like eggs, its a perfectly nutrious balanced meal.