As I may have stated elsewhere on this blog, I am one of those odd-ball people who likes to read and write poetry.
For me, poems do not need to have end rhymes, but they do need to have rhythm and repetition, alliteration and assonance. Most importantly, they need to be understandable and relatable. I cannot stand stream-of-consciousness poems that have meaning only to the poet. I can’t read it and I sure can’t write it.
Who are some of my favorite poets who embody this clarity and economy of words–the poets who tell me stories to which I can relate? Some include Naomi Shihab Nye, Mary Oliver, Maya Angelou, Carolyn Forche’, Matsuo Basho, Edgar Allan Poe, and William Shakespeare.
This morning I came across this video of Nye reading one of my favorite poems followed by an explanation of her process. I felt compelled to share it.
More to come on poetry.
Miss Pelican's Perch 
March 1, 2023 at 4:11 pm
I loved her poem and the way she read it and explained it. Thanks for sharing that. I’ll look forward to your poems.