Yesterday I tried to write a sonnet, but failed. Accessing my muse while trying to write with structural intention is very difficult for me as I have not mastered the techniques of rhyme, rhythm, meter, etc. I suppose I could access my muse first and then mold what I create to the form necessary of a sonnet, but it still remains a daunting task. It is hard to distinguish my writing from that of free verse poetry and that of psychological free association, as I do little more than spit out my imagination. Bob Dylan said, “I consider a poet to be anyone who doesn’t think of himself as a poet,” but this seems paradoxical. It seems to suggest a certain level of tragedy as only a true poet is so wrapped up in his own self misery to be unable to see any positive within his persona. It seems then that distinctions of who is and who isn’t and what is and what isn’t poets or poetry are subjective to individuals, just as the world is subjective to individual’s perceptions and likewise what poetry they create from it.
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I hear you. I have such a terrible time with incredibly structured work, such as sonnets. I like rhyme, but I hate any sort of meter...because I can never seem to get the words to work with the structure and with my muse.
ReplyDeleteI don't think not being able to write a sonnet makes anyone less of a poet; sonnets are archaic anyway. We're in a different era, and I think the views of who poets actually are have changed.
While it's true, the view is individual -- to recognize oneself as a poet and not put good talent to waste is a gift in itself.
Thanks for sharing!
The best advice I have is to loosely write out your sonnet first. That is, write out what your intended meaning is while trying to stick to the sonnet form, but not being strict about it. Then go back and refine it until it fits the form, like refining a basic sketch into a finished drawing.
ReplyDeleteAs for the quote, I personally think it means that a person who considers himself a poet is too wrapped up in the title, not in actually writing poetry. It means that a poet, when asked what their profession is, would not reply by saying, "I'm a poet," but rather by saying, "I write poetry."
Bu, y'know, that's just my take on it. Take it as you will.