Letters to the Editor On Poetry

Laureate writes back

R egarding all my “hurtful words” during Poetry Month (Letters, April 25): Before I pick up my one-way ticket to the “lonely Isle of Inishturk,” I just want to agree that I really can be slow-witted, cocky and arrogant, and I will also add chubby and cranky.

To make amends to the budding poets whose tender emotions were snipped at too harshly because I did not select their rhymes, for the rest of the month I will tape their efforts to my refrigerator next to my little niece’s drawing of a pancake.

Dian Sousa

San Luis Obispo poet laureate

Publish ‘true’ poetry

It is not my intention to devalue the efforts of your poetic contributors, as I applaud them. However, for the edification of many, I feel compelled to speak up for the true poets who appear to remain silent.

I have not read a single poem from your numerous selections. As a teacher, I have read and written poems for more than 50 years since high school. Your “poems” are more commonly known as “prose,” which require no rhyme or rhythm. Considerable effort is required to accomplish both while still expressing the inspiration the author wishes to share.

Please publish some true poems to be enjoyed and appreciated. You will find a few of mine on the Internet.

Monte McGinty

Los Osos

Not emotions on a page

I applauded Dian Sousa’s comments on April 13 about what constitutes poetry. Making a poem does not mean to merely throw some emotions on a page (rhyme or not). It’s rising above cliche, crafting the words together to make them new.

Yes, we all need to put our feelings on paper—yes, that’s therapeutic—but they are not necessarily poetry, and others ought not have to read them in the local paper. We should pay attention to our poet laureate.

I once attended a writers’ conference where a wonderful (living) poet, Ed Hirsch, gave a craft talk and then answered questions. One woman asked how long it would take her to become a poet (a very silly question, of course). Ed thought for a while and then said, “Fifteen years. You have to read everything you know.”

Mary Kay Harrington

San Luis Obispo