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the death of poetry
by Jim Benzif
in disproportionate
numbers
the audience
for all
new
music
composed
sang
and played
guitar piano or flute
themselves
would we then
declare
the death of music? 02/23/2010 Author's Note: some critics contend that many poetry journals are read primarily by other poets, and that this somehow indicates poetry's detachment from the general public (personally, I'd blame that on television, or popular novels.) other critics declare that the explosion in the number of people who write and publish poetry is also a cause of poetry's decline in popular culture. as far as I'm concerned, if the people who enjoy poetry are moved to become poets (or editors, publishers, etc) then poetry could not be in a healthier, more vibrant state. if the majority would rather watch American Idol or Survivor than spend time with a challenging poem (or even an easily understood poem) then that's their choice. poetry, in all its myriad forms, will survive just fine without them.
Posted on 02/23/2010
Copyright © 2026 Jim Benz
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by Julie Adams on 02/23/10 at 10:21 PM the title drew me in, intrinsically my heart leapt and insisted Noooo, but the poem has even outdone the fab title, so much is said here, volumes...it is an instant favorite, to ponder, to share...well done, Jim...a pleasure to read u again, peace, jewels |
| Posted by V. Blake on 02/23/10 at 10:23 PM I guess that would depend on how well they played. Regardless, this was tremendously clever. |
| Posted by Charlie Morgan on 02/23/10 at 11:41 PM ...man's inhumanity to man would surely be felt by anyone in earshot o' me...i pity the fool...cool take-off... |
| Posted by Gabriel Ricard on 02/24/10 at 04:35 PM Makes sense to me. Great, inspiring work. |
| Posted by Glenn Currier on 02/25/10 at 01:11 AM Wow! I love this. I just read something in an educational academic journal about the pity of so much poetry being written and published, as if it somehow cheapened it. It made me ashamed to be an academic. Your poem and your terrific author's note say it well. Let the creative impulse reign! Thanks for a profound statement, sir. |
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