My friend, I feel that the art of poetry could be seen as if traveling together on parallel roads through a beautiful forest- those on one road see the might of the trees and calculate its value, and those on the other consider the forests safety and purity. Each person tries to call the forest by a name, i.e. its right name.
So with poetry.
However, conventionality is the burden in writing poetry. Walt Whitman started with himself: “What I assume you shall assume—.“ Such is the fresh breeze of generosity! To be generous with oneself…and others, with the language of a poem, in whatever way it turns or moves, as long as it is suggestive! And to be comfortable with talent and language, to enjoy it and let it run its course!
Poetry for me is what literature should be! The mystery of being moved by words! For the poet language invites him or her to find the right word on the right line and the best way to leave space or gaps in the poem , and thus allow something that stirs in the poet to thunder in!
The power of poetry may be revealed through the nobility found in love and truth! Especially when feelings are clearly expressed. Though truth and love may be difficult to define, because they are so personal.
I agree with the poet who says, every poem is as “a lived existence.” One could add, a reflected life!
Warmly,
Eva-Maria