STRESS FREE SUMMARY.

[Glenny Palmer]

STRESS FREE SUMMARY.

In this post I am aiming to summarise the advice re poetry structure, that I gave on another thread, (‘Lunch Time’) that has unfortunately become somewhat unpleasant. I am hoping that the following will contribute to easing that air of conflict, and clear up some misunderstandings.

This is a Bush Poetry site, and while Bush Poetry is just one genre of the written word, it does have its own particular style and techniques. I well appreciate that all contributors are ‘creatives’, and that some may wish to present and share their work in a different manner to the traditionally accepted format. But I wish to impress the point that before one can perform/lay a poem out in a different viewing scheme, it needs to be technically correct, if it is to be received to its optimum.

I can only pass on the teachings that I was fortunate enough to receive, as a ‘newbie’ to our craft, from some extremely accomplished and very generous poets. Because I remember how overwhelmed I had felt at the time, with ‘hi-faluting’ terms and references, once I had gained the experience to offer assistance, I concentrated on offering the technical BASICS, in order to provide less confusing ‘baby steps’ to newcomers. My world was changed for the better by the input from my teachers, and now I feel it is my duty to contribute to others, who ask for help, the same dedication that I received.

The author on the abovementioned thread noted that he was ‘appalled’ at how I had adapted his poem, and that he could never present it in that form. There is no need whatsoever to present that poem in the (basic) form that I produced. I can appreciate that the writer seems to wish to present in a generally laid back form, and I encourage him to do exactly that. If he wishes to lay it out on the page in a similar manner to its original presentation, there is no barrier to that. And I think it is important to note that likewise, there is no barrier to performing it in whichever manner he chooses. My layout of his poem in question is written in a ‘da-de-da-de-da’ (Iambic style, which he had basically chosen) but not one of us would ever SPEAK it in that manner. When it is written in a technically correct manner, one can SPEAK it in ANY manner, and it will FLOW. It will not ‘jar.’ And for the reader, the author can present it on the page in whatever form he chooses, and likewise, it will FLOW, and not ‘jar.’ (Just as a point of interest, Shakespeare wrote many of his plays in the Iambic, and I’ve yet to ‘hear’ any 'da-de-da-de-da’ in those.)

When I was performing in the USA I had the great pleasure of watching performances by a poet called ‘Waddy Mitchell’ who is quite famous over there. To watch/listen to him present, one had the distinct feeling that he was leaning on a fence, chewing on a piece of grass, and just having a conversation with you. It was nigh on impossible to ‘hear’ any structured meter, but structured it most definitely was. His were the most enjoyable and intriguing performances that I have ever experienced.

So, in closing, I urge that author, and indeed any other ‘creative’ to not feel restricted by the traditional techniques within Bush Poetry, but to embrace them. You will come to find that they will actually free you more, and they are not terribly difficult to get your head around, especially when you have a wealth of supportive, already accomplished poets on hand to assist. If you prefer to not embrace learning these techniques, and are quite happy as you are, there is no one that I have seen on the site who is demanding that you do. That would be totally counter-productive. So, perhaps, if you have a genuine query, make it clear when you ask for answers, what it is you hope to achieve by asking, so that the person who sets about working on those answers, clearly understands your motive in asking, and what you are hoping to achieve.
Also, if you do not wish your request to be ‘on show’ you can certainly ask via our private message facility. Keep in mind that critiquing on the site is extremely time consuming and difficult. It is far more achievable to do in ‘Word’, and I am happy to respond via email if you have a request, as I’m sure any of our other poets supplying hard copy advice would be.

I do hope that this clears the air and also provides communal assistance.

Sincerely,
Glenny Palmer

[Heather]

Well put Glenny. Your advice has always been welcome. If it weren't for you I'd still be floundering.

Heather

[Glenny Palmer]

Thank you Heather. I am sincere in what I say, so I appreciate your comments.

[Maureen K Clifford]

There are many who have been the recipient of your always generous help Glenny and I'm sure each and every one of us thank you for it.
Just one of the many benefits of being a member of ABPA

[Glenny Palmer]

Thank you Maureen. We're all swimming in the same pond, so best it is we look out for each other.

x Glenny

[croc]

... Yep... best it is lovey; sure enough.

...c xxx

[Irene]

Too true!!! We all share the same love for bush poetry, and as such, we should all be swimming in the same direction!!

Many thanks for the time you give so freely Glenny - I won't waffle on now, as I did enough of that on the other thread!!! Oppps - got carried away over there!!

Catchya
IRene

[Robyn]

Well said, Glenny.
I am amazed at the generosity of some of the more experienced poets in the ABPA, as we all know life is busy and creative time is precious. In my experience, it is a fabulous learning opportunity to have a poem critiqued by someone who has the knowledge and inclination to offer hints on how to improve.
We all share a love of our craft, and although we may have different ways of approaching it, it is important we support each other in our quest to create poems that engage and satisfy both poet and reader/listener. I know I'm very keen to create the best poems I can, and hope to keep learning from this site for a long time!
Robust discussions sometimes happen when both parties are passionate about the topic at hand. We are all human after all. No doubt we will continue to have differences of opinion, but we can move 'onwards and upwards', concentrating on that which unites rather than that which divides.
Robyn

[Glenny Palmer]

Great attitude Robyn, & that WILL see you succeed. Thanks love...
Glenny

[Zondrae]

Dear (and I mean it) Glenny,

It is only through your caring guidance that many (specially myself) of the members on this site and those who are currently supporting written competitions have learned anything at all about our craft. Fair enough I had written a poem or two before I was advised that I should join the ABPA but looking back I broke every rule n the book.
Thank you for your kind words and tuition. I believe you were the judge who awarded me my first "Encouragement' award in a written comp. (So it is all your fault) Thanks a million.