  Poetry
This week: The Advantages of Being a Poet Edited by: JACE  
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Hi, I'm JACE .
Welcome to this issue of the Poetry newsletter. Poetry, specifically form poetry, is a passion I've only recently discovered. I hope you'll enjoy spending time with me as I look at things poetic through the eyes of a virtual child in this wonderful medium.
Please tell me what you liked or didn't like in my column, or about a topic you'd like to see discussed. This newsletter is for eveyone interested in Poetry, Poets and poetic expression. 
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The Advantages of Being a Poet
Like most writers, I collect books on writing, reference books, and other sources that I hope will teach me how to become a better writer. I guess the one advantage of owning a custom woodworking shop is I can make a great bookcase to house all these books. Of course, since I began my fascination with things poetic, I've added several poetry books to my collection.
But one of my favorite references on poetry comes from another source. I subscribe to several writing magazines, including the Writer. For several years, I ignored the articles on poetry. Now I find myself going back to previous issues and devouring those articles.
The October 2011 issue contains an article by Joe Mills entitled The Singular Advantages of Being a Poet, which really hit home for me. Both Mills and I have high hopes with our writing, his for books and mine for short stories. But neither expects great results from our poetry.
As Mills stated "I neither expect to make enough money from poetry to pay my coffee expenses, nor to meet people who have actually read it." He goes on to add that when you don't think anyone is listening, you feel free to mess around, and not worry about sounding smart or hurting someone's feelings.
I like to think I write for myself when I write my short stories, but in truth I do consider my potential readers. With my poetry, however, I don't worry about anyone except me. Occasionally I'll write a poem for a contest, but it's my feelings and emotions that I wish to express within the confines of whatever form or prompt is stated. Poetry is my attempt to communicate my desires, my experiences, and my life on a most basic level.
I've found when I tell people around me that I write poetry, I get a lot of raised eyebrows. They seems to have little regard for poetry and poets. Have you experienced similar attitudes with your friends and acquaintances? Most folks seem to have lower expectations for me writing poetry than for me writing short stories.
Don't get me wrong--I love writing short stories and will continue to develop that aspect of my writing passion. But poetry represents a way to (pardon the cliche) be true to myself. I find a measure of freedom when I write poems, an excitement that feeds me. I enjoy it. My biggest complaint is the limited time I can devote to writing in general. Poetry offers me a way to write in smaller bites. I still edit ruthlessly, but my overall time expenditure seems to be less.
One day soon I hope to publish a chapbook about my life's journey for my family and friends. Perhaps someone might find parts that touch them.
For now, I'll just reflect on the many advantages of being a poet. That's enough for me right now. 
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And from the mailbox of my previous newsletter, "Poetry Newsletter (September 21, 2011)" :
From jmariah: Jace, thank you for your article about poetry groups. I know you focused mainly on form poetry in your article, but that appealed to me, because I love form poetry. And thank you for the links to some groups that I'll be checking out.
Thanks, my friend. I hope you find a group to call home.
From Elizabeth Jonse  : How do I join a group and your newsletter is great.
Thank you, Elizabeth. The best thing to do is look for a group that will fit your poetry needs. Type 'poetry' in the search window, selecting Groups in the Any Type window, and press Search. You'll get a listing of potential poetry groups. Send an email to the group owner stating your wishes. Good luck.
From monty31802: A fine newsletter, thanks for the highlight on the Traditional.
My pleasure, my friend.
From njames51  : I enjoyed reading this newsletter. Your writing style is easy and comfortable, like chatting with a good friend. I have been reading "A Poetry Handbook" written by Mary Oliver. Her discussions about "form" poetry has helped me learn and be creative. She discusses free verse. Her examples include: Walt Whitman...from "Leaves of Grass". She believes he was the first to use free verse. The other example is "The Red Wheelbarrow" by William Carlos Williams. It is 8 lines that I would never have considered brilliant; but Oliver deconstructs the line format, brevity of words, and teaches HOW to read a poem. I highly recommend this book. Not just for beginners, but seasoned pros who can learn much from this famous poet.
Thanks for the suggested reading; you're so right about learning from others. I'm glad you enjoyed my newsletter.
From Maryann  : I loved the newsletter, Jace.
If you know of any poets who might like to enter "Star Trek Poetry CONTEST " , please send them our way. 
Consider it done, Maryann. And thanks.
From BIG BAD WOLF Feeling Thankful  : Sometimes one needs help.
Submitted item: "Monster City Police Force"
Indeed we do.
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Poetry: October 19, 2011 Issue [#4672]
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