What is a poem? (a question for those who consider such things important)?

Question

What is a poem? A craft of words and sense,

Of sinewed syntax wrought with utmost care,

Of tropes and lines, and simple ornaments,

Steered on their course by winds grown wise with wear.

A craft of silk so finely sewn it seems

Quite seamless, like the world it softly mocks,

So perfect that it flows in satin streams

And sings as softly as a cradle rocks.

Whence does it come? A loving calloused hand

Inured to tine and toil, and yet so deft

Each syllable and serif's turn is planned

As surely as the finest fiber's weft.

We come to know this mystery by degrees --

A poem is all, and yet is none of these.

Answer 1

A poem:

Anything which catches the readers attention

With wispy words or with feigned desire,

Which ignites the readers mind to fire.

It needn't rhyme but needs a rhythm

That is a poem to me.

Answer 2

well this makes me feel important now

i agree with you, does that make me arrogant?

maybe, then so be it  ;-D

"a craft of words and sence"

i agree fully, and think this one is one of those that defines that well

that ending is great

i love endings like that

leave room for whatever you want it to be to you

very smart, well written

thanks for that one

Answer 3

A message in a bottle bravely going out to the world at the whim of tide and time, who knows who will pick it off the beach and count it treasure?

A fine craftsman, sir.  You do with words what my father did with wood,

build simply, finish beautifully and care.  Thank you.

Answer 4

This is fascinating....each line showing the lengths to which poets go to produce a perfect poem, and how the experiences of life become the essence of their creativity, and the strive for perfection an essential ingredient, all this learned over many years....then you blow the whole process to the four winds with your last line.....(You my friend are a rogue!)

I was ready to do battle with you on much of the content of your poem....knowing how spontaneous a poem can be, no care taken to conform to rules, raw and in-your-face and still have an end result of which the poet can be proud.

Well done.

Answer 5

"What is a youth? Impetuous fire

What is it made ...

... ice and desire ..."

Sorry but

this is the song

your poem "inspired" my memories from your first lines ...

It happens.

Maybe, this is the little extra ingredient needed - heartfelt.

Answer 6

I concur.

Well said, well written, and well . . .I don't know what else to say.

That was tailored to fit.

Excellent piece.

Answer 7

I believe you just described poetry in its fullest!!

Beautifully and wonderful your words did describe!

Cheers!

Answer 8

Thank you sir, for honouring this beloved craft. very well said and articulate, Your last couplet is just...Great! What excellence!

To You:

whom is a poet? if not a diamond's lights

if lights be the gleam of pure words and thoughts

(It's not great, but I hope You accept it)

With best wishes,

Rid

Answer 9

This is a wonderful poem.  Your word choice and language is exceptional and masterful.  The theme is unique and creative and close to my heart as I'm sure it is close to any poets heart.  You have adeptly described what a poem is "A poem is all, and yet is none of these."  Provocative ending.  Skillfully wrought.

Answer 10

In addition, perhaps a poem is yet more of these. You have created a valuable instrument for teaching would-be poets as well as students and lovers of poetry.

Answer 11

The creator has created a creation, so full of expression through careful and considered words and their use, that the whole goes beyond that of mere poetry. It has been carefully crafted so that the vessel sails far beyond the horizon of mans limited speech.

This unique poem requires, no demands that it be read in many different readings until the correct one is found. I believe that I have found it.

Answer 12

yes, very nice--cool how you turned a poem, into a poem about poems...XP   very nice

very interesting...nice sounding

check these out...i made them in sixth grade

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Answer 13

FABULOUS bravo sir...thats on of the best poems ive read in ages!