Poetry

Poetry Feature Writer: Linda Sue Grimes

Poetry fascinates readers for many reasons, from its unique language use to the varied subjects that poets have dramatized down through the centuries.

The Ancients, including Homer and Vergil, captivated audiences with their ability to spin a memorable yarn. Ancient Indian epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, were so easily memorized that it was centuries before anyone wrote them down.

From the Ancients to Middle Eastern and Western Eurpoean bards to early Americans like Phillis Wheatley, Emily Dickinson, and Walt Whitman to the most contemporary poets such as recent poets laureate, Louise Glück, Ted Kooser, Charles Simic, Kay Ryan, and currently W. S. Merwin, the journey through poetry remains a colorful and enticing one.

Thank you for visiting. I welcome questions, comments, and/or suggestions.

Latest articles in Poetry

 		Sex and Violence in Robert Browning's Porphyria's Lover
In 'Porphyria's Lover', Browning presents violence as a symptom of love soured by jealousy, paranoia and patriarchy.
How did Sylvia Plath develop as a poet?
This article talks about how Sylvia Plath developed into being the poet of 'Ariel.'
The Barretts of Wimpole Street, or Hope End?
Few people realise that a great poet of the nineteenth century spend her childhood in a quiet English backwater, and one that is still idyllic.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Sonnet 34
Sonnet 34 continues the theme of being called by a certain name and introduces the contrast between her childhood and adulthood reactions.
Poetry as Alchemy
Poetry should be centered on a compelling subject matter that captivates the reader, and transforms his or her vision of the world.
Mark Halliday's "Slightly Tearful"
Many children are told that it's all right to cry, so when does this change?
Some Thoughts on Odd Numbers and Creative Expression
Odd numbers are a source of fascination for many creative individuals who tend to think outside the proverbial box.
Howl: the Poem of the Beat Generation
Allen's Ginsberg's "Howl" is one of the most popular poems in U.S. history. Because of "Howl", Ginsberg became the voice of the Beat Generation.
Linda Pastan's Leaving the Island
Pastan's speaker in this well-crafted, traditional villanelle, "Leaving the Island," reveals the melancholy that accompanies the end of summer.
Tips for Poets on How to Organize a Poetry Reading
A poet who wants to organize a poetry reading for himself or to include other poets needs to plan early and advertise the event to get community support.
The Poetics Of Catullus
Catullus was part of a new generation of Roman poets whose style was lyrical, emotional and elegantly witty.
George Oppen's "From a Photograph"
The old saying goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words", but maybe that is just an old saying.
Edgar Lee Masters' Butch Weldy
"'Butch' Weldy" concludes the "Minerva" series. Butch declaims about his ordeal after a work related accident.
Edgar Lee Masters' Mrs Meyers
"Mrs. Meyers" is the fourth poem in the "Minerva" series; the doctor's wife affirms that her husband, the "poor soul," simply reaped what he sowed.
The Poetry, Life, and Influence of Scotland's Robert Fergusson
Outside the Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, Scotland, is a statue commemorating the little-known achievements of one of Scotland's poets, Robert Fergusson.
Honor and Identity in Medieval Literature: The Wanderer
This article examines the theme of honor in medieval literature and its impact on a character's identity.
Honor and Identity in Medieval Literature: Gower's Jason
This article examines the theme of honor in medieval literature and its impact on a character's identity.
Edgar Lee Masters' Doctor Meyers
"Doctor Meyers" is the third poem in the "Minerva" abortion tragedy; the doctor's involvement fills out the drama and deepens the characterization.
Ron Rash's "Dylan Thomas"
Maybe the best way to describe the life of Dylan Thomas is through poem about his death.
Honor and Identity in Medieval Literature: Florent the Knight
This article examines the theme of honor in medieval literature and its impact on a character's identity.
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