http://www.deadlounge.com/poetry/
If you want to have a little bit of Gothic fun (is that possible?), go along to this website and create a Gothic poem - it might not be all your own work, but it sure will be dark and Gothic!
I gave it a go this morning, and this is the wonderful poem I created:
my death
Around, all around, the storm clouds gather.
My dread grows as the dagger
of your words falls against my heart.
It smites me, and darkly my
life's blood drips
to the wicked earth that is my prison.
In abject fear I cry out, Why?!
while Death's shadow surrounds me.
Now alone, my soul falls upon uncaring eyes.
This is death
There, wasn't that fantastic? No, I didn't really think so. It was fun though. The website makes sure you don't write anything sweet or lovely, it has to come out in the same sort of style as the poem I wrote. It was fun though, and that is one of the things that poetry can be.
It doesn't have to be full of worth and meaning, it can be fun! Does that feel liberating? I was at the Gawler poetry reading yesterday, and heard lots of great poems, some serious, some fun. One of the poets loves playing with words, one of the poets is a young person just learning about how much fun poetry can be.
Poetry can be many things to many people, and Martin Johnson certainly helps to provide a wonderful embracing atmosphere at the monthly Gawler poetry readings. It was the 14th birthday of the poetry readings in Gawler yesterday, so of course there was a birthday cake - the Prince Albert Hotel, where the readings are held, made a lovely and yummy big birthday cake, and a good time was had by all.
Afterwards, some of us got together and discussed the possiblity of beginning a poetry group - this has been discussed many times in the past, but it feels like it might happen this time. Stay tuned for more.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Bad Language Offends
I went to an enjoyable poetry reading last Friday night. The guest reader, Patricia Irvine was excellent and the other poets all read well. It is exciting to see how much some of my poet friends are improving.
The venue was good, if a little cold (red wine helped with fixing that), the whole evening was well run and we were all intent on enjoying ourselves. The thing that has led to further discussion (on Facebook) though is mostly about one particular word. I don't think any of us would agree with banning any words, as long as they are used appropriately, but.. One of the thoughts that has been expressed is that we should be a little cautious about our words.
If the poem had been read in an appropriate place, we would never have hear the words, because in my opinion, the appropriate place for that particular poem was in a private place, with a private audience. Very private.
I've been thinking about the issue, and these are my words from the brief Facebook discussion:
But if you're using your words to create an effect, well, who are we, the audience, to lay (excuse the pun) any blame.
We don't have to like what we hear, but we all have the right up, to some unspoken point, to speak/read our poetry.
I know of one word that another poetry reading organiser has black-listed, and that is made reasonably clear to anyone who wants to know about it.
It's a tricky situation, and I feel good manners and discretion should be used in these situations. A reader should be aware of the audience and only read work that will not cause too much offense. Unless, I suppose, their wish is to cause offense.
Hmm, more thinking required on this one.
The venue was good, if a little cold (red wine helped with fixing that), the whole evening was well run and we were all intent on enjoying ourselves. The thing that has led to further discussion (on Facebook) though is mostly about one particular word. I don't think any of us would agree with banning any words, as long as they are used appropriately, but.. One of the thoughts that has been expressed is that we should be a little cautious about our words.
If the poem had been read in an appropriate place, we would never have hear the words, because in my opinion, the appropriate place for that particular poem was in a private place, with a private audience. Very private.
I've been thinking about the issue, and these are my words from the brief Facebook discussion:
But if you're using your words to create an effect, well, who are we, the audience, to lay (excuse the pun) any blame.
We don't have to like what we hear, but we all have the right up, to some unspoken point, to speak/read our poetry.
I know of one word that another poetry reading organiser has black-listed, and that is made reasonably clear to anyone who wants to know about it.
It's a tricky situation, and I feel good manners and discretion should be used in these situations. A reader should be aware of the audience and only read work that will not cause too much offense. Unless, I suppose, their wish is to cause offense.
Hmm, more thinking required on this one.
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