Thanks for staying on top of these, Steve; I really enjoy them!

In response to the quotation taken from Laurable's Poetry Weblog:

How is it that many individuals feel that magnetic poetry is damaging to poetry itself? This does not make sense to me. I think many would agree that poetry invites one to convey emotions that many have yet to feel; inviting the reader into a realm that they have yet to experience or appreciate. Where is the inflicted damage if this realm happens to be infused with eroticism? Are we not bombarded with eroticism by simply turning on the television or perusing through a "teen" magazine? In my opinion, it is more likely that "aversion" and "disgust" would be unveiled in these such realms, as eroticism is blatantly obvious here as opposed to artfully subtle.

You must admit...it's quite a challenge to come up with something truly erotic with magnetic poetry; and when you do - bravo for your creativity!

Thanks for posting this Steve! I could go on and on and on about this subject....very interesting.

Jen

While some enthusiasts were calling in, most people seemed to think some damage was being done to Poetry itself.

Hey Jen,

I think you are absolutely correct. People are afraid when poetry seeps into their daily life, and it often does in innocuous forms -- ie fridge magnets. There is a tacit understanding that language is powerdul, and sometimes people are uncomfortable when surrounded by the vestiges of power.

So, too, their concern with the erotic elements that pop up here and there. I have a feeling the people that complained are as scared of poetry as there are of languages -- ie those that called in when Janet Jackson exposed her breast at the superbowl or someone swears on a primetime drama.

New for January the 24th, 2007.