The meaning of Poetry (or any good story)

[Frank]

THE MEANING OF POETRY

Step one - read this poem by former poet laureate of the USA Billy Collins
Introduction to Poetry by Billy Collins

I ask them to take a poem
and hold it up to the light
like a color slide

or press an ear against its hive.

I say drop a mouse into a poem
and watch him probe his way out,

or walk inside the poem’s room
and feel the walls for a light switch.

I want them to water-ski
across the surface of a poem
waving at the author’s name on the shore.

But all they want to do
is tie the poem to a chair with rope
and torture a confession out of it.

They begin beating it with a hose
to find out what it really means.

Step two - Read my take on this poem

I think that too many people read a poem and right away want to know what it means.
A poem is an experience, a thrill ride at an amusement park, a sensual pleasure like a good cigar or a fine wine. Sip it, taste the flavor and if you don’t like it spit it out. End of story - no need to know “what it means”- FRANK
Now having said that I will present my poem but I will not tell you what it means.

Step three - read my poem and tell me what you think

2 Living breathing Poems by Frank

I have to say I was not thinking
of poetry, but there she was
in the grocery store, discussing produce
prices with her son who was hoping
to survive the ordeal. We passed
each other, she was going one way and I the other
the way was narrow,
so I let her go first,
I extended my arms out
as if holding a door open for her and
strangely enough, she noticed and rewarded me
with a ‘thank you young man’. I especially liked
the way she said young, reminding me
of days long past when I did hold open doors
for older ladies. Some time later, same store, same day,
same two people pass again. We do the same dance,
even though we are now going back the other way,
each of us having reversed our direction,
this time there is only ‘thank you again.’ but I am happy
with that. Her son comes rushing up her, hands in air,
there you are, he tells her (as if she did not know).
He tells her they are done, she says good, can we go get our
food now. He says, yes I think it is ready now.
Now I am in the parking lot, loading my car, I see her again
she is standing in front of the Chinese take-out joint,
looking like she has lost something but I know it is not her sense
she may be silver in hair and slight, but there is still sparklers
lit in those eyes. No, she has lost her son, who stands four car
spaces away loading his or is it hers ? groceries in their car.
Neither can see the other, but I, the poet can see them both.
As the poet, I wonder how this will end, should I interfere,
or leave it to the imagination of the reader ? No, I think the
reader deserves closure and while I am thinking that she discovers
where he is and waves and then goes into the Chinese joint.
I don’t know what happened next as I drove away but you
the reader deserve some sort of an ending so, as I am walking back
from the car to my house, a very young lady rides her training wheel
equipped bike up to me and says “hello.” and I say hello back
and then she says “goodbye.” and rides away.

[Barbara Ann Storrier]

The third one is a keeper :) They are all good ...

[Frank]

Thank you, Barb for your kind words. . . .More to come.

[Frank]

last week (one minute)

Same clouds, same sky
same rain, same wind
yet miles now fill
the space between us

Last week - (two minutes)

a small effort made
ripple ensues, and
hearts choose
the way towards or
the way against

last week (3 minutes)

her footsteps were smaller
though barely, but the growth
is there, seemingly invisible
until one looks far enough
back past to see the difference

[Frank]

Religion (one minute)

The thing that reeks
with somedays but not
todays, as long as it is
the ego that gets fed

Religion (two minutes)

sunset sky dotted with clouds
a painting that reflects
why we love this earth

Religion (three minutes)

little footsteps
a shoulder soft
the unexpected hand of help
a dance of a dervish
and you

[Beverly]

Three such different poems, each with different moods, to grace my eyes today.
The first one seems strongly harsh, the second one speaks to my artist heart,
the third one melts me.

Thanks for triggering all these emotions in me in three minutes!!!!

P.S. Love the words "reeks" and "dervish", by the way. Will add them to my vocabulary.

[Frank]

Faces - a three minute exercise

She sat staring out on the world
patio edge, off into other yards,
looking but not seeing

two minutes

faces

they come from everywhere
the trees, rocks and now
even the moon
when will they leave

three minutes

Faces

lined with experiences
too numerous to detail
the folds of skin, the sisters
each, proudly wear what
the young foolishly try to hide

[Frank]

Waiting (in three minute parts)

Clouds threaten
dark rumblings
getting darker
animals absent
me without a raincoat

waiting (part 2)

in line
in queue
talking to someone new
who is in line too

waiting (part 3)

2012 is the 2000
is the new 1984
and yet I am still
here and Jim Jones
is not

[Frank]

The light (3 minute exercise)

Breaks through my window
with an explosion of color
Bangs on my head
with a five year old's tenacity

The Light - two minutes

fumbling with walls
feet discovering what
lies on the floor
I am seeking a new bulb
or a flashlight

The Light - 3 minutes

grows shorter, every day
I don't know this for sure
but unlike the scientist
I feel it

[Barbara Ann Storrier]

I'm enjoying reading these, Frank. It's great the way you can go from metaphorical to wise to questioning to humorous to childlike with such apparent ease! Keep posting, please :)

[Francesca]

A rose bush

it buzzes and heaves with life,
hidden like a chrysalis
before the butterfly.


2.

Smokes rises above
the rose bush
in the blue evening light
searching for the hidden
silent song
of love and memory

3.

The smell is overwhelming
it is a silk scarf around a vain lady's neck
spreading in all directions

Thank you for your images and words Frank... I have not been online often lately, but I always enjoy reading you!

[Ang Monsoon]

i liked the 2nd verse, lovely image.

[Frank]

I like your words too, Francesca .
I hope keep writing and posting.