What is poetry?

A poem
makes us see
everything for
the first time

Francisco X. Alarcón
from Laughing Tomatoes and Other Spring Poems

Gathered in the Writing Studio recently, a colleague told a group of youngsters that “poetry is not music.”

Stunned, I quietly reeled through a catalog of my favorite musician/poets: Jackson Browne, Michael Franti, Tracy Chapman, Roger Waters . . .

Over the next few days I grew indignant. Of course poetry is music! Of course music is poetry! Both share a musical language, a crafting of words and sound. I came to poetry through music — for pete’s sake! As early as second grade I was reciting Harry Chapin’s Cat's in the Cradle to my peers.

In the cooling off period since the songwriting session, I have tuned down emotion and turned up intellect. If music is not poetry, What is poetry? Through research I gathered numerous esoteric — and beautifully written — responses but a tangible answer eludes me. And if I can’t answer the question, how can I explain to others why poetry is in everything, including music?

I’m looking for answers, and I’d love to hear from you.

Comments

[Eliza]

Paul Simon? If he is not a poet I do not know who is! :)

Sounds of Silence
The Boxer
I am a Rock

Kathy's Song is my favorite and is positively divine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoDmVkA35fc

There are so many wonderful songwriter poets.

I adored Harry Chapin. I listened to his music continuously in my teens.

On another note I think of the hymns. 'O Love That Will Not Let Me Go'That is poetry!

[Eliza]

This is kinda cool. :)

What is poetry? Who knows?
Not the rose, but the scent of the rose;
Not the sky, but the light of the sky;
Not the fly, but the gleam of the fly;
Not the sea, but the sound of the sea;
Not my self, but something that makes me
See, hear and feel something that prose
Cannot; What is it? Who knows?
- Eleanor Farjeon

[drew]

I like this Eliza.

thanks!