Lovely Boxes

I've taken a good deal of heat over the years re. my custom of writing mainly in the closely metered, rhyming style so not-in-fashion these days. This poem, (in the archaic sonnet schema--NYAHNYAH!) is one among several answering that question.

VERSE FREE'D  (at what cost?)

(aka: "Lovely Boxes) Sonnet #1

 

Poetry is an art that I do love

But it aggrieves me to see it tread a Path

Eschewing comeliness, and burdened down with Wrath,

And toward a destination that I know not of.

 

I do NOT feel constricted when my thoughts are engloved,

Or given shape and limitation, as with Lath;

To me, it seems my Dreams more Beauty hath

When I can into lovely Boxes lovely Feelings shove!

 

Why does a glove fit better than a mitten?

Why shoes, over slippers, for to walk in?

 

Because each of these is more closely fittin',

A square Hole, for to put a square Block in!

 

Why do we ask less of the feelings we've written

Than of those we relate with mere talkin'?

 

Mark Teague 12/11/88

Reviews

[Lizanne]

I think this is quality poetry at it's best. The limits of poetry have been stretched so far in the realms of writing that at times I feel very inadequate. I feel that you have it correct in the wonderful writing you have done. Why call a wonderfully soft purring feline, a domesticated, long haired, happy cat? Like many other things in this world poetry has lost it manners. lol I find your writing a breath of fresh air. Many writers would not know what a lath's function is in today's world. They will sing a hit tune about I kissed a girl, yet not know that if you kiss a frog you just might find a prince. Indulge in your style. I find it a --"trademark," now that was an accidental play on words, that is very refreshing and gives your writing a distinct quality of it's own. I applaud you!

[emmajoy]

How I admire the poet who can do what you do! You have the ability to weave music with words and create what is POETRY. I agree with your reviewers about true form, just wish i had that skill. Until - if ever I do, acquire that particular skill and artistry, I'll read your work and that of many of your friends.

The wit of your work makes it unique, Mark ... it's always such a pleasure to enter your corner of the Cafe world

[R J Askew]

I agree heartily. There can be great satisfaction in writing and reading form. There is a natural balance. I wonder if it was the 20th century's violence that marred things? It is interesting that the 1st world war poets wrote in delightful form. It is also interesting that rappers follow form of a type and simplistic rhymes. Is it that free-form is laziness? Was it something to do with James Joyce et al. Streams of consciousness became novels why not poems? Were we all so depressed duing the cold war at the thought of Mutual Assured Destruction? As things go in cycles perhaps the formless barbarians with their anything goes laziness will be repelled by good old-fashioned Byronic rhymers who can knock out thousands of lyrical lines.

[Samuel Dickens]

Yay Mark! I'm with you. I don't write a lot of poetry anymore, but when I did, I wrote old-fashioned and got creamed for it. I like your poetry jes fine.

[An owl on the moon]

Such a wonderful flow to this piece, and the message is so poignant! I feel the same way... my mind flows with poetry in form... Love to do as I feel the poetry should be done. Thank you for this beautiful, expressive write!