strong reactions on both sides of the fence.  that's what i like.  if my poems didn't shake something up in people (good or bad), then they'd just be blah.  i hate blah.  i also hate cats.  but that's another story entirely.

I'm 100% with you on the cats, John!

Also on how provocative your work is. I can't save it's saved my life as much as Wolf's, but it does get a rise out of me!

well, that's the thing i've learned about my writing.  people either get it, or they don't.  and when they DO, they get it deep.  there's no halfways when it comes to my writings.

Tom,
 
John was talking about poetry being "practised at the highest level" and you responded by suggesting that if John's writing is poetry "practised at the highest level," then McDonald's is "cooking practised at the highest level."  The insult is clear.  That's what started this discussion. 

Or was that McDonald's crack meant as a compliment? 
 
- Wolf

     Posting here is fun, but ultimately it takes too much of my time out of a very busy day.  i think it's best that i get back to the real world and focus my attentions elsewhere. 
     and, Tom, more and more i'm getting the distinct impression that PC is pretty much all you have.  i want you to know that i really am sorry for disturbing your existence. 
     take care.
john

John read his poem, which consists of a narrator saying that poetry practiced at the highest level is a business and then suggesting that the poetry that sells the most is the best. I said "Got a kick out of this, John. And McDonald's is cooking practiced at the highest level!" Cooking a business, McDonald's selling the most?
The idea that sales levels equals quality is what his poem and my reply dealt with, not anyone's writing.

Tom,

I've been a member of PC long enough to know how things roll around here.  I've read the archives, you know?   You and John (as I see it) are polar opposites.  John writes poetry that is urgent and essential; you write poetry that is pendantic and useless.  It's the difference between a wake-up call and a sleeping pill.

I'm entitled to my opinion, as you are to yours.  My only complaint is that you're not honest in your disagreement.  As soon as someone calls you on it, you pretend to be some kind of ambassator of free speech where:


No, you like what you like - and you have your reasons for it.  Be honest about it.  There is only one kind of poetry - great poetry, and no matter what style it's written in, great poetry speaks to the blood and bone in us.  

And that is the kind of poetry that changes readers. 

- Wolf

This thread is degenerating into personal attack and insults. I think we should just let it be. I am a fan of both styles of "polar opposites" mentioned. They may have different intents and, to a point audiences, but in the end they are words, and if they are, like I say, "well strung together" I'm gonna read 'em and enjoy 'em. The immediate poetry cuts like a knife while the more academic lulls like meal to be savoured. A good sharp knife is hard to find and a good meal is hard to prepare. I choose to cut into the osso buco with a sharp knife.

Rob,

This thread hasn't degenerated into "personal attack and insults," it began that way as soon as I posted John's poem.  This PC playground has operated for too long with cartoon bullies running rampant, kicking sand in faces because they feel superior.  Seriously, I don't know what's worse: their bullshit or your complancency to read it day and day out and keep silent about it.

Somebody has to stand up to the haters of this world, otherwise their hatred becomes contagious - and the next thing you know we all wake up in the Nazi Germany dream-world of poetry.  

... You think I'm being melodramatic, but I'm not - Take a good look around this playground and tell me you can breathe freely - Tell me you feel safe.

- Wolf