Richard J

Richard J:

"MY TAKE ON POETRY"
Forenote:
   While digging through my archives, I came upon this little composition from 1972; someone may find it interesting, entertaining, or even informative.

   It is from a conversation between Leona, a novice poet (also, a sophomore English major at SMU, in Dallas, Texas) and I, that was recorded on a reel-to-reel tape and transcribed by her into type as a grade paper.

   The composition is her format, but my comments are transcribed exactly as they were spoken.

   The intro is by a poet friend who generously permitted it to be included ... I think it befits the moment perfectly.

~ INTRODUCTION ~

Poetry is a gift, the ability to show one's inner-self, 
much as a proprietor displays his wares, upon a public shelf.
The ability to write in rhyme, makes not the poet, 
but that he writes sincerely, and his readers know it.
That he can raise a tear, a smile, enlightenment, or query; 
perhaps, shed moments of enlightenment 'pon a subject dreary.
He need not be a scholar, knowing how to spell, 
but simply one who starts a task, and tries to do it well. 
 

But, most of all, the poet is a person, not in part, but whole; 
for, when he writes he opens up ... the gateway to his soul.


John F. Price ~ Theatrecats (RIP
)
_________________________________________________________________

 
 "Tell me, Richard, exactly what your take on poetry is," she said.
 
 "Hmm?" I replied. "Let me think on that for a moment......!"

 
  "Well, My Dear, to me, more than anything else, poetry is a brilliantly creative way for humans to express who they are, what they feel, and believe ... and, to touch one another without physical contact.

 
 As human beings, we experience and share a vast array of emotions, all of which are transient in nature. The way we feel and what we think can change more often than the weather, with even less predictability.
 
 I look upon my own poetical efforts (for example) as attempts to capture a moment's feelings in verse upon the page, much like photographers record that which they see through their lens onto film.
 
 While looking back on what I've written over the years reminds me of what I felt when I wrote it, it does not necessarily reflect what I feel today.
 
 One must realize, too, that when reading poetry, the desire is to connect on some level with what the poem is saying, and when one relates well, the tendency to do so is in the here and now.
 
 What one writes ... what I write ... may afford a partial glimpse of who I am, but the whole of me remains impossible to see, or to even be glimpsed through mere words.
 
 Yet, how truly wise we are when each one of us, whom is gifted with the inherent talent of self expression, comes to realize that we are rare and unique, indeed; especially, if we are fortunate enough to be able to faithfully and honestly follow this legacy.
 
 If poetry were to try and express the full measure of the man in me; that it were to aspire to embrace the totality of my essence, it would be but a very weak reflection of the man I am ... a misty shadow, if you will.
 
 Poetry, may then well become but a very weak pursuit for a man and for a woman, but not now, and not in the life and skin in which I live. Whether all that pours forth from my pen to page comes from some place fanciful or factual, it all originates from something I've lived, learned, imagined, or deeply and characteristically (almost instinctively) understood within me ... a place as natural as breathing, or the quick, unaware blink of an eye, while the heart beats independently and the soul soars free on its own accord."
 
 "I am not sure if this will adequately satisfy your question, Leona, but it is all for now I have to offer; yet, not all I know or feel for it, from it, or about it ... poetry, that is."


Richard W. Jenkins
©1972


Footnote:

 
 Today, I could offer more, but I can't say that I feel any 
significantly different here, in 2020, than I did in 1972. 
 
 
 Maybe, I simply need to grow-up. 🤔
 

Richard J:

Richard J:

"All Of Me" -- for Free Verse Poetry Contest.
I give most grateful and humble thanks to all who voted for me in this well-represented contest ... there were many excellent poems entered by some truly masterful writers.
Bless you, one and all* ~ Richard : )

FanStory wrote to Richard J: God's Sweet Lullaby finished second in the contest "Petrarchan Sonnet"

Richard J:
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SINCERE APOLOGIES, MY DEAR FINE FRIENDS!
I've inadvertently deleted all messages, accolades, and awards received since 2006.
I do recall and appreciate each and every one, though ... thank you ever-so warmly. 😊

Ah, but "c'est la vie!" 🥂

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