Friends are always on at me to write it, for I am both a writer of left-wing prose AND a much published poet (in my own name) but I find I can not write a decent political poem.
Perhaps we need a topic. Apart from George Michael's "Wag the Dog" rendition, perhaps we need a little more about the relationship between George Bush and Tony Blair.
There are a lot of people, in and out of the poetry community, calling for political poems. Marge Piercy's done a great job-- I've been listening to her read her poems on a CD I got from the local library.
It's not an easy task. Many people will argue that writing humor is the most difficult form. I think it's the political poem!
Allen Ginsberg sure could write a good political, sometimes satirical, poem. My personal favourite is "C'mon pigs of western civilization, eat more grease". If you're not offended easily, you can listen to Ginsberg's recording of the aforementioned poem by searching beat poetry websites.
I wish there were some living, noteworthy political poets touching on the issues of our time. Unfortunately, extreme political correctness in the 21st century limits a writer's ability to express themselves freely.
Essentially, if they're not kissing everybody's political butts on all sides, romancing every group with pretty, complimentary words, there, sadly, is no room for it in this world.
I think poets can make room... and I bet there are poets who are doing just that... but I think they're diamonds in the rough.
In order to lay it all on the line, I think you have to live a life that can be laid on the line-- families, houses, duties to work, they can all make for complications.
Thanks for the read.
"A poet can survive everything but a misprint."
-- Oscar Wilde
I think you misunderstood what I said. I meant political poetry.
I am a huge appreciator of poetry and the lives of poets, but from what I've seen, there isn't a very big market for modern poetry that makes people have to, God forbid, think any further than what colour the font is, or the age-old written woes of a broken heart. (Yawn)
I think life, in general, makes for a ton of complications. Some of the greatest poets in history didn't have much, other than their own incredibly dark, introspective, observant personalities. Sheesh, some had nothing at all, other than the ability to express themselves well.
You're right that there is room for poetry in the world. I really don't know if I would feel complete if it weren't for hardcore, powerhouse poetry and the influence it has had on me.
I hope the world never runs out of room for poetry!
Just didn't outright say it. And there are political poems out there-- I think they are more spoken word than printed text, though...
Well, I'm assuming that. I've been listening to "The Spoken Word Revolution" and there are political poems therein and even a "How to write a political poem" recording.
It's really worth a listen.
Seems to me that getting skilled at poetry takes a great deal of dedication. And getting skilled at expressing political ideas in poetry is a further challenge.
And then finding your publisher/agent. Another challenge.
Good point about some of the greatest poets in history.
The world will never run out of room for poetry as long as there is noise/a means for communication, sez I.
What sort of hardcore, powerhouse poets inspire you?
Thanks for the read.
"A poet can survive everything but a misprint."
-- Oscar Wilde
02-26-2003 07:56 PM
