I'm a bit bushed.

[Terry]

I agree with Matry,
When I first joined the forum many of us posted pretty well everything and often went on to enter them in comps and even jagged a few awards between us now and again.
I for one have never been worried if a judge had seen someones poem somewhere, as I always believed they would still award what were in their opinions the best poems. In any case many poems are reentered in several comps.

I can see what Neville is saying and agree, we need to make our poems more poetical, if that's the right word. but one thing that never changes is you must be able to tell a good story that grabs people's interest, no matter how you go about it. but remember different people like different things, thank goodness..

And finally I don't think most of you have anything to worry about, you're all writing some very good poetry.

Cheers Terry

[warooa]

Nev said: I think we need to learn that lesson, or bush poetry will not survive. Keeping
some supposed purity of theme won't keep it alive. In the history of the arts, purity of theme or form has always been a recipe for failure.

I agree wholeheartedly. I always enjoy reading your thoughts as they always provoke further thoughts, for me anyway they seem to bring the whole spectre of language, poetry and what we are trying to say from another angle, and that is healthy for all.

I think the lack of poems being posted isn't a bad thing. Like Robyn, I enjoy the discussions and debates we have in general poetry - and unlike Bill . . I enjoy the silliness and irreverence that goes on amongst us. It sets us apart from other "oh so serious" forms of poetry. Geez if we couldn't toss about any inane banter how the bloody hell would Bob Pacey hold the record high number of posts!

But getting back to Robbie Burns' line . . and the purity of theme - I agree there has to be a movement, an evolution of thought and process for the whole genre to thrive. A pushing out of parameters . . stretching out of boundaries but still staying true to the essence of what it is that we are all about. Bush Poetry will survive, I have no doubt but it will.

Marty

[Vic Jefferies]

I think it is very important to have the rhyme and metre correct and to tell a good story, but you have to remember to include the poetry!

[Bob Pacey]

Hard to bite my tongue sometimes Marty but you will be pleased to know that sometimes I do.

Anyway I'm off to bed got another big day at Beef week tomorrow.

Cheers

Robert.

[Terry]

I think everybody worries too much about the future,
There is no evidence or proof that anything we write today will be of the slightest bit of interest in 50 years Time.
Write what you like and enjoy the experience.
There is every chance that what appeals then would seem like absolute rubbish now.
So go ahead and enjoy what you like writing now and let the future take care of its self.
That's what I intend to do anyhow.

Cheers terry

[Neville Briggs]

Bob, was your tongue as tasty as that prime Rockhampton beef.


G'day Marty. Like Heather and Leonie have said, I have thrown in with the bush poets because I relate to the use of traditional structure and form and I enjoy the company of the mob. I do a fair bit of reading and when I discover something that seems valuable to enhance our craft I get seized with evangelistic fervour to preach creativity. I'll try not to go on and on.
Some people enjoy just relating their stories and jokes in basic versifying. So be it, I wish them well. I do that sort of thing too, but I try to find a way to advance as well, but I suppose that's my oddball temperament.

G'day Terry. I know what you mean. Oscar Wilde said that he kept a personal diary so that he would have something sensational to read on the train
I think it would be worthwhile to know that our contributions have kept something alive for someone else to carry on when we are gone.

[Bob Pacey]

Sorry Marty but you did not start the thread so only Neville can end it !!!!



I have posted very little of late mainly cause I have not written anything been too busy performing and following a few other persuits.


I enjoy both the in detail discussions and as Bill calls it silliness, The problem with some people is they get soo tied down with how things should be that they forget to enjoy themselves.


Bob

[keats]

Yep, I'm with you Bob. Finished most of the festivals etc. and now heading up to relax and enjoy myself in Charters for the Winter. Once the enjoyment goes out of the poetry and all the arguments start again over what is and what isn't Bush Poetry (a discussion I remember sharing with the late Charlie Marshall on many an occasion over a cuppa), then it becomes a chore and not enjoyment and I can guarantee the audience will pick up on it very quickly.

Vic's comment also was something that should be heeded by all writers/performers. Well said.

Cheers to all

keats

[Bob Pacey]

You are not wrong Marty I lost count of how many poems I performed. The breakfast was on every day and would have done there about fifty there with only one repeat and averaged 20 each day down at the Charbray tent plus the performance in the middle ring. Only missed one when i got a little too fancy with the banter in the middle but recovered it.

Got home yesterday arvo about 4 pm and then got a call from Prime radio wanting me to do a slot so had to miss that one.

Looking forward to a bit of R & R cause State Of Origin football starts soon.


Might even get inspired to write something now I've got a bit of time or just could go bush camping.


Bob

[Neville Briggs]

the audience will pick up on it very quickly.

Good point Neil. The audience.
Like old Berkeley's conundrum about "if a tree falls in the forest and there's no-one to hear it does it make a noise ? " If we have a poem and there's no-one to hear it, is our poem alive or only an idea or just printing on paper ?