Barbara J. Hamby

sign-up for our email list

Literary Controversy

The writers’ conference last weekend emphasized for me the fact that the style of poetry I write is not in fashion. I like poetry that is understandable, somewhat literal and thus relates to some reality in my life and possibly in the lives of prospective readers.

We did some exercises writing whimsical verses. We were told that neither the reader nor the writer really has to know what a poem means.

Maybe poetry is written to stimulate imagination and raise questions, not offer answers. Are readers/audiences all cast from the same mold--those who merely want to be entertained--not stimulated to think? Isn’t that what the boob tube is for?

On the other hand, if the most popular offerings on television are reality shows, why isn’t real writing also popular? There certainly was enough ruckus raised recently when alleged memoirs turned out to be skirting the truth.

I note that Word (my word processing program) doesn’t like the word ruckus. Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary includes it however, so get over it, you overbearing editor.