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.

[Beverly]

JUST another wonderful poem by Poet Frank. Garbage, me thinks not!

Nice play on words J'UST and tyme, clever. What is 'lances short for? So is it really a
demolition derby or what? Deeper meaning please!

I liked how in the first stanza JUST flowed into the first line, then I kept coming back to the
2nd and 3rd stanzas wanting JUST to flow into the first line in the same manner. Wild how the
mind of the reader wants to fill in and change the wording to their own preconceived wishes.
creative license.

[Beverly]

Just some thoughts from a holiday night!!


JUST

loving the patriotic music
echoing through the park
real music from a brass band
piped in music just dampens
the spirt,
I'm just so grateful


JUST

keeps droning on and on
about why we are sitting
on the wet grasses
a just cause the soldiers
who fight for our
freedom

JUST want to see the fireworks!!!!!


JUST
inhaling the bug spray
that youngsters now
wear as a badge
liquid arms and legs
glisten in the moonlight


JUST

a raffle drawing to
pull the mini cannons
yet such booms and
smoke clouds to fill
the senses
JUST a tease foreshadowing


JUST

an afterthought as
the rain let up from
its drowning downpours
to let the darkness be
painted with circles and
lines of color
Yes, nature is just
on this special day

JUST

so personally
affected as
the squeals of excited
youngin's fill my ears
their joyous laughter
sparking my own
inner delight


JUST

a grand finale
that covers the sky
making my eyes dart
feverishly around
to catch each moment

JUST

another memory
I will hold deep within
JUSTIFYING the muddy
shoes I track into the
house.

[Ang Monsoon]

My first Independence Day Party, thank you Bev!! A feast for the senses even down to the muddy footprints afterwards. You really catch the atmosphere with details about the bug spray etc. I feel like I've got mud on my shoes and rain on my head, as if I'd really been there. Thanks for sharing...

[Beverly]

Thanks Angie,
I wanted to write about it while the emotions and feelings were still fresh in
my mind and heart. Glad I was able to paint a picture for you.
Waiting for your JUST Poem............. or any other writing you feel like
gracing us with here.

[Ang Monsoon]

can't think of anything, I'm being lazy!!!!!

[Barbara Ann Storrier]

This first one speaks to me ... I was JUST doing this yesterday morning, amazed at the thoughts coming and going through my mind. This is just a jewel, Frank :)

JUST

Sit back and stare
at me at life at almost
anything, then tell us please
what is there beyond your eyes

[Frank]

Thank you Barb.
JUST a one minute poetic exercise that went well.

JUST Frank

[Francesca]

To everybody in this discussion:
I am really grateful to have found you, excuse me, if I sound a bit soppy:-) but I am deadly serious and I mean it!!

[Barbara Ann Storrier]

You are most welcome and I know how you feel. It's like finding your tribe :)

[Frank]

I can't speak for everyone else, but i am glad you have found us here, Francesca.
I hope you keep posting.
Frank

[Beverly]

Thank you Frank for starting this discussion group, I am always amazed at finding out who
I am each and every day. I am grateful for the believing mirrors that surround me here.
Like flowers we bloom, you are all like water to me.

[Frank]

YoU are welcome Bev and I do like your Just the fourth poems.
Keep writing,
Frank