This salient point, which appears to be a running theme in presenting yourself as a poet and a teacher of poetry, reminds me of a moment from Robert Bly talking with Bill Moyers: "...so I’ve been writing a poem every day in the way that Bill Stafford used to".
BILL MOYERS: How can you be sure you’re good if you’re writing a poem a day?
ROBERT BLY: You don’t. And, ah, (Clears Throat) Bill, someone said to Bill, “Is it true you write a poem every day?” He said, “Yes.” And they said, “Well, what do you do if you’re not so good that day?” He said, “I just lower my standards.” (Laughter) That’s the most helpful thing said about poetry in 40 years.
Thanks for lifting the veil just a wee bit so the rest of us can snatch a glimpse of what's possible.
The beauty of having James around is I get to have that conversation at least once a week. I can't get enough of that. So glad he's passing that message on to kids in schools. Everyone should be encouraged to make art a opposed to being DIScouraged. Making shit makes us happy even when it's deemed shitty by others. Do what makes you happy, just don't hurt anyone. Right? Slainte, Ron!
"Poetry has no rules unless you want them".
This salient point, which appears to be a running theme in presenting yourself as a poet and a teacher of poetry, reminds me of a moment from Robert Bly talking with Bill Moyers: "...so I’ve been writing a poem every day in the way that Bill Stafford used to".
BILL MOYERS: How can you be sure you’re good if you’re writing a poem a day?
ROBERT BLY: You don’t. And, ah, (Clears Throat) Bill, someone said to Bill, “Is it true you write a poem every day?” He said, “Yes.” And they said, “Well, what do you do if you’re not so good that day?” He said, “I just lower my standards.” (Laughter) That’s the most helpful thing said about poetry in 40 years.
Thanks for lifting the veil just a wee bit so the rest of us can snatch a glimpse of what's possible.
Sláinte!
The beauty of having James around is I get to have that conversation at least once a week. I can't get enough of that. So glad he's passing that message on to kids in schools. Everyone should be encouraged to make art a opposed to being DIScouraged. Making shit makes us happy even when it's deemed shitty by others. Do what makes you happy, just don't hurt anyone. Right? Slainte, Ron!