Sunday, October 30, 2011

A Pleasure-Dome Decreed

          So why poetry?
Why write poetry? Read poetry?
Or perhaps more to the immediate point, why another blog about poetry? Surely there’s enough of those going around to meet the limited demand.
Granted, in this already overpopulated blogosphere where even very well crafted blogs die every day from lack of attention, I know the odds are stacked against a blog of this sort.
And yet still I persist in sending out another blog to the merciless online world and dedicating it to a topic that continues each year to crawl ever further into a dark corner of obscurity. A chorus in a Greek tragedy could not more clearly foretell the doom that is sure to occur.
Why do this to the poor thing?
But despite all the reasons to the contrary, the impulse remains. It is an impulse of this sort that drives many poetry enthusiasts. Something that can only be described in vague terms. Perhaps an undying belief that, contrary to the sentiment from Auden’s poem, poetry can and does make something happen. It can move us. It can make the ordinary extraordinary. It can allow us to say things that simply couldn’t be said in any other way. It can, indeed, bring meaning to our lives.
Poetry obviously is not alone in these pursuits. One could just as easily turn to the other arts, the sciences, philosophy, religion. Personally, being one of those poor souls who’s forever tortured looking for purpose and meaning in life, I’ve turned to all these fields and more. Other than religion, however, I’d say poetry is probably the one place I turn to the most consistently and which has done the most for me. For me, it is something of a spiritual pursuit.
I love the interactivity of poetry, how the individual reader’s perspective brings its weight to bear upon a poem, making each interpretation unique. I feel almost as if reading poetry is a great conversation, where I am suddenly put in touch with individuals from throughout history who have likewise thought deeply about life, and in their musings, they have felt so compelled that they have set down many of their innermost thoughts in writing. You don’t often find conversations like this in everyday life. Much as people today turn to online communities to find some of those like-minded individuals who aren’t so common in their immediate neighborhood, I turn to the poets. I want to hear what they have to say.
And it is this yearning and enthusiasm for poetry that is my main reason in starting this endeavor.
I’m afraid, however, it’s not the only reason.
You see, in recent years, I’ve suddenly found myself missing some of that original magic that attracted me to poetry in the first place. Oh I still enjoy it and appreciate it and everything, but much as one can go devoutly to church for years only to one week find that they’re going through the motions of creeds and prayers without even remembering the meaning beneath it, I’ve recently found myself merely going through the motions of reading poetry. Yes, I understand when I think a poem is good or bad. I can still be impressed by a poem. But some of that original inspiration and feeling that first attracted me to poetry has been lacking.
So one might also consider this a middle-aged retreat at the beach for me and poetry. We’re heading there to rekindle a spark. The fire’s still smoldering there – it just needs a quick blow on the flames. I’ve been selfish and not realized how much she does for me. I need to make it up to her. I’m doing this in part to show I still care. . .
But that’s enough about the whys. Maybe now a little more about the hows (or would it be the whats?). Anyway –
Initially, I have only some rough visions for what I might do with this forum. Maybe some irregular posts of my thoughts on the usual poetic subjects – the cultural impact of poetry, occasional book reviews, looks at individual poems, links to interesting poetry sites, yada yada yada. But perhaps it will all go in a different direction; I suppose part of the charm of blogs is that they’re so organic and have a way of taking on a life of their own. I’d just prefer to see where this thing goes.
I would love to foster some discussion, so if you’ve found your way here, please feel free to comment and stick around. I understand, however, it’s difficult building an audience for a venture like this. Yes, reader, I’m realistic in my views and know that this is likely to be a solitary pursuit. But I hope you, in turn, understand that I need to do this regardless.
So welcome to any of you who may have stumbled upon my little corner of the world. If there’s any lesson I wish to impart, it’s please don’t take your poetry for granted. Happy reading.