Wow, I’m with you on all of this, yet you give me your perspective which is unique and valuable. Thank you so much. What an honor it is to be in this community with you.
"if you want to serve up poetic hot pockets, that’s your call." This is something that I always think about during my very brief time spent here each day, usually less than 10 minutes, as I sometimes get so perturbed with poets who post everyday, even multiple times a day, as I always think to myself, is this real poetry (whatever "real" poetry actually is,) or just a place to spew every little thought and verse that comes to mind?!! Whereas, I post a poem only once a week (my Tuesday haiku don't really count to me, as I usually write them as a precursor to Friday's poem, and they usually flow out almost effortlessly within a few minutes,) and even then, I think, this is far too regular, that I'm muddying these ever-muddied waters, and that my published poems could always use a bit more work. But, I've been posting once a week for the past year or so as a personal challenge to myself, to force myself to write, but I always consider dropping this schedule, and probably will in the future. Nonetheless, to each there own, but damnit, if I'm not so sick of the onslaught of "hot pocket poetry."
House, for me it’s quality over quantity. I’d rather be known for one amazing mind blowingly profound poem than a bunch of scattered snacks du jour. hope that makes sense. Idk about you but I feel there’s a “push” of the poetic hot pockets which is diluting it’s power, it’s relatability. Long story short it’s weakening poetry into bite sized morsels. I mean you do you and if you’re ok with it then more power to you. But always leave room for that longer version of a poem. One that plumbs the depths of truth, goodness and beauty that only you can perceive. And if you don’t have anything to say, that’s ok. I’ve waited years to find my voice which I think I’ve finally found (in my early 60s!). It’s okay. You’re still an awesome unique human being. Let the poem find you. Like David Carradine says, “if you can’t write poetry, be the poem”. Make your life a poem.
I agree with the idea that we are, in this social media shit storm of an age, diluting the poetic medium, for sure! I often believe that I have a lower readership, or less participation than I might desire, which ain't much of a desire at all if I'm being honest, is because I write fairly long poems, and, that I post only once a week, at best, as I just can't seem to say what I need to say in short form, nor can I force myself to post when it's just not the time. This is a death knell when it comes to growing my base, but to hell with that! as now I write purely for myself, and for the historic record, as all else is basically meaningless to me at this point in life.
Yep, agreed. I also feel this pressure to "produce" poetic content. But at the end of the day, we're not poetry factories (well maybe some are and their content shows). Just be true to your process and when you have enough poetry, look for a way to self-publish. This way, you have a product to sell. As of late, I've been on Instagram threads, trying to grow my base and foster interaction there. It's been ok; got around 115 followers much to my amazement. You may want to hop on that and post "clips" of your poems and redirect them to your Substack page to read the rest? I've done that from time to time, but am not sure how much interest that creates. And yes, finally, you should only write for yourself and no one else, to offer a perspective on the world that no one but you can communicate. P.S. I gotta say, trying to generate interest b/t this and other platforms is beginning to be a full-time job in and of itself. All the best - VP
Thanks so much for the restack @Paul Wittenberger. Really appreciate you 🙏🙏🙏
Wow, I’m with you on all of this, yet you give me your perspective which is unique and valuable. Thank you so much. What an honor it is to be in this community with you.
The honor is mine too Mike. Thank you sir!
“ . . . feeding off propaganda from the enemedia . . . .”
When I first read that, enemamedia is what popped into my mind, and I had to go back and reread it.
"if you want to serve up poetic hot pockets, that’s your call." This is something that I always think about during my very brief time spent here each day, usually less than 10 minutes, as I sometimes get so perturbed with poets who post everyday, even multiple times a day, as I always think to myself, is this real poetry (whatever "real" poetry actually is,) or just a place to spew every little thought and verse that comes to mind?!! Whereas, I post a poem only once a week (my Tuesday haiku don't really count to me, as I usually write them as a precursor to Friday's poem, and they usually flow out almost effortlessly within a few minutes,) and even then, I think, this is far too regular, that I'm muddying these ever-muddied waters, and that my published poems could always use a bit more work. But, I've been posting once a week for the past year or so as a personal challenge to myself, to force myself to write, but I always consider dropping this schedule, and probably will in the future. Nonetheless, to each there own, but damnit, if I'm not so sick of the onslaught of "hot pocket poetry."
House, for me it’s quality over quantity. I’d rather be known for one amazing mind blowingly profound poem than a bunch of scattered snacks du jour. hope that makes sense. Idk about you but I feel there’s a “push” of the poetic hot pockets which is diluting it’s power, it’s relatability. Long story short it’s weakening poetry into bite sized morsels. I mean you do you and if you’re ok with it then more power to you. But always leave room for that longer version of a poem. One that plumbs the depths of truth, goodness and beauty that only you can perceive. And if you don’t have anything to say, that’s ok. I’ve waited years to find my voice which I think I’ve finally found (in my early 60s!). It’s okay. You’re still an awesome unique human being. Let the poem find you. Like David Carradine says, “if you can’t write poetry, be the poem”. Make your life a poem.
I agree with the idea that we are, in this social media shit storm of an age, diluting the poetic medium, for sure! I often believe that I have a lower readership, or less participation than I might desire, which ain't much of a desire at all if I'm being honest, is because I write fairly long poems, and, that I post only once a week, at best, as I just can't seem to say what I need to say in short form, nor can I force myself to post when it's just not the time. This is a death knell when it comes to growing my base, but to hell with that! as now I write purely for myself, and for the historic record, as all else is basically meaningless to me at this point in life.
Yep, agreed. I also feel this pressure to "produce" poetic content. But at the end of the day, we're not poetry factories (well maybe some are and their content shows). Just be true to your process and when you have enough poetry, look for a way to self-publish. This way, you have a product to sell. As of late, I've been on Instagram threads, trying to grow my base and foster interaction there. It's been ok; got around 115 followers much to my amazement. You may want to hop on that and post "clips" of your poems and redirect them to your Substack page to read the rest? I've done that from time to time, but am not sure how much interest that creates. And yes, finally, you should only write for yourself and no one else, to offer a perspective on the world that no one but you can communicate. P.S. I gotta say, trying to generate interest b/t this and other platforms is beginning to be a full-time job in and of itself. All the best - VP
I just came over from threads. *Gag me with a spoon.* I really enjoyed this piece. Looking forward to your quality content.