Why, oh why
would one want to waste away
in a
“Poetry” Society
Whoowee, am I gonna get the letters on that
opening…
One day you wake up, thinking: hmmmm? sure like the sound of words working
together, painting a concise, illuminated passage—wonder how one learns to
write this stuff known as “poetry?” Perhaps, there is a group of knowledgeable
writers, who are actually versed in this subject. And, so, you investigate…
“Poetry” Societies
primarily sing from the same shameless hymnbook: manifestos (they grin their self-absorbed
Cheshire cat grin and call them “mission statements”) claiming, the particular society
exists for the “advancement of poetry”— when in fact, these “Societies” are
simply an ego-trip for those who initiate and board the organization, a place for
them to expound, to strut their sub-par creations, to gather as Lord &
Master over a captive flock of trusting sheep who know not where to turn for
information and advancement of their personal quest. For the most part Societies
indoctrinate forms and styles which are subscribed to by those in charge;
holding “workshops” presented by those of the flock, who know little or nothing
of what they speak. To what end?
A “society”
is in essence, a team: a “team” being nothing more than a like-minded collective
of individuals who either drag the unfit like a sack of rocks, or one is
the stepchild of the team—the sack of rocks being dragged.
The quality of learning and potential
for personal advancement in a societal atmosphere is wholly dependent upon the
quality and philanthropic nature of the societal nucleus. A scarce commodity to
be certain. When in reality, getting together with others who have the temerity
to call themselves “poets”—some, even going so far to have the title printed on
business cards, would, indeed, seem to be a fool’s errand.
to be continued…
Max
tdc
