 Poetry: December 30, 2009 Issue [#3427] |
  Poetry
This week: Edited by: Crys-not really here  
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My name is Crys-not really here and it is my pleasure to be your guest editor for the poetry newsletter this week.  |
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Making Poetry Accessible
Have you ever read a poem that made your head hurt? Perhaps it was in English class in High School or college. Or maybe you picked up a book of poetry at the library, determined to read the poet because you heard they were good, only to discover that you didn’t have a clue what they were talking about. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. I found myself in the exact same situation as a grad student studying poetry. Suddenly, the accessible, everyday language of poets I loved in college was being replaced by confusing, mind-bending and often snooty language.
Did you ever wonder why many teenagers dislike poetry? It may be because of the way they’ve been introduced to poetry in school. Oftentimes, it involves reading a poem and then picking it part, analyzing every possible metaphor, symbol and literary device. Often, these poems are at least a hundred or more years old, making the teens assume that they have no relevance to their lives.
In both of these situations, poems have become chores to be done, not things to be enjoyed. No wonder poetry readership in the United States is on the decline. So many people see poetry as inaccessible or irrelevant to their lives.
Today, I’d like to introduce you to some modern poets that won’t make your head hurt. They’re people who write poetry about everyday life, things like dogs, cancer and birthdays. I hope you can find inspiration in their words, both to make it through life and for your own writing.
Ted Kooser: Poet Laureate of the United States, 2004-2005. Ted Kooser’s newest book of poetry is Delights and Shadows. Check out “A Happy Birthday,” “At the Cancer Clinic” and “Tatoo.”
Denise Duhamel: Author of Kinky a book of poems involving Barbie in adult situations like switching heads with Ken and contemplating Buddhism. Fun, humorous poetry that most women should relate too.
Sherman Alexie is a Spokane/Coeur d’Alene Indian, poet and author of many novels. His latest book of poems is called Face.
Bill Collins: Former Poet Laureate of the United States, 2001. Collins is the founder of Poetry 180, a program which encourages high schools to expose their students to poetry all 180 days of the school year. He is a believer that poetry should be enjoyed by all. His newest book of poetry is Ballistics.
Noami Shihab Nye: Arab-American poet and children’s author. I especially enjoy her books of poetry for children, including A Maze Me: Poems for Girls. She is also the complier of What Have You Lost? a book of poetry for teens on loss of all kinda.
These are just some of the many modern, highly accessible poets that I enjoy. These poets prove that it is possible to write poetry that the general public will understand, and become fairly famous at it too! Poetry is often stereotyped as being out of reach, but that’s not always the case. Pick up one of these poets and study them. I hope they inspire you to write your own poetry about everyday life!
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All of my Editor's Picks this week are related to the holiday season. I hope everyone had a good one, and I'll see you again in 2010!
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Last time, I asked "Who are your favorite children's poets?" Thanks to everyone who wrote in with their answers and to tell me how much they enjoyed the newsletter! A few of your responses are below.
Eleanor Farjeon, Ogden Nash, Ruskin Bond.
THANKFUL SONALI Library Class! 
All good choices!
Wow, great newsletter! I'm looking forward to learning more about poetry for children. What do you think of vocabulary for them? I got into an argument once with a writer who said children 'make' not 'create'.
Storm Machine 
I am a very strong advocate for varied vocabulary in children's literature. Vocabulary is extremely important in developing phonetic awareness in younger children, which helps them become better readers, often at an earlier age. This is even true for words that parents feel are too complicated for their children's age or skill level!
Crys-It was almost like an awakening for me to read about writing children's poetry and how important it is, and maybe even the lack of it out there in our libraries! I read to my daughter's class at least once a week, followed by an activity & I think I might try my hand at it with the inspiration coming from my own little second grader! Thanks for opening my eyes to maybe something new that will bring joy to my life!
fleckgirl
First of all, good for you for volunteering in your daughter's library! I'm so glad that my newsletter inspired you to find new things to read to them.
Your piece on children's poetry was good. I had one issue. You wrote that most children's poetry is not heavy with metaphor. I'm not sure what you meean by "heavy" but most children's poetry, including the Silverstein poem you featured, is rich with metaphor.
Doug Rainbow 
Thanks for your comment, Doug Rainbow ! Many modern poets (including those who teach poetry) believe that a poem is nothing with a metaphor. I simply wanted to point out that in children's poetry, metaphors are often not the most important aspect. Children's poets can get away with using less complicated language and situations because rhyme, rhythm and how the poems sound when read aloud are usually more noticeable to their audience.
Dr Seuss, of course and Gelett Burgess, Edgar A. Guest, and Eugene Field as well. I remembered the poems (still)but had to go find them to find the authors, Thanks for the rereads and the trip down memory lane!
Fyn 
You're very welcome!
Just a friendly reminder to all newsletter readers that there is a handy built-in form below  where you can submit items for the newsletter and/or offer feedback on this newsletter. Using this option ensures that I do not lose or forget about your comments, which happens sometimes when you directly e-mail me. Thanks!
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