[stylist] Poetry and interpretation

[Bridgit Pollpeter]

I had a teacher tell us that poetry can be like abstract art; if you try
to observe it only section by section, it won't make sense, but if you
look at it as a whole, it takes on meaning. I think any writing can take
on various meanings depending on the reader, and this is a good thing.
Like song lyrics, poetry is meant to touch and evoke. I don't think a
person should be chastised for their interpretation if it's different
than some one else's or even the intention of the poet themselves. It's
good to address form and structure, but at the end of the day, all the
masses want is something that speaks to them. If you *feel* after
reading a poem, then the poet has done their job.

Myrna, Declan started crawling this weekend, so I know what you're going
through today, grin.

Bridgit
Message: 3
Date: Sun, 7 Apr 2013 12:40:56 -0500
From: Myrna Badgerow <kajuncutie926 at aol.com>
To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [stylist] (no subject)
Message-ID: <16853489-4432-47F0-A0A8-D58FC7B9E428 at aol.com>
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Focusing on technique is a good thing but sometimes a form may not be
done correctly or whatever. If it!s a form I am not familiar with I
usually will not comment on technique. I may say the lines are too long
for my tastes or seem chunky. Perhaps the rhyming is a bit too reaching
or even too 
simplistic. 
Does that make sense? I hope so. If someone can suggest something to
improve my technique I am so welcoming of that but if poetry is not
their thing but my words touched them on some level, then I am elated
that my words have found a reason to be written. That's what I was
trying to say. 
Babysitting for a rather over active grandson while his parents are
moving. My thoughts are scattered this morning... all over the floor
actually along with every toy on the box lol Myrna