Poetry is considered as a weak form of art. Weak, in the sense that most people would never buy a collection of poems, except if the poet is renowned. Why? Because, according to what I have heard over the years: “Poetry is the only form of art that should be available for free.” I beg to differ.

People buy paintings, music, novels, etc. They may complain about the prices, but they will always buy those things. They never question the fact that the authors are artists that make a living out of their craft. They do not question their ethics either. It is their job, and as such, they should be rewarded. However, when it comes to poetry, it is another story.

When I talk about what I do, people often smile. “Oh, you write poetry? How interesting! But what do YOU do?” “Well, I have just told you, I am a Poet.” “Yes, I heard that. But, what is your job?” That’s when I usually change topic, because I am tired of having to explain to people that Poetry is my career. Actually, it is much more than a career. It is a passion!

I think that the whole issue here is that a lot of people have the wrong idea about poetry. And I know what I am talking about: I was one of them a long time ago. As an English major having studied in France (my birth country and a place where criticism is the national motto), I had to write countless essays on poems. In those essays, I analyzed each and every sound, syllable, word, rhyme, or sentence using what we had been taught, in order to find ideas and concepts that were nowhere near what the author had originally meant. It took me a while to overcome that feeling of disgust towards a form of art that I now consider as my favourite.

Poetry demands skills, passion, and patience. Most people, due to what I have just talked about, fail to see that it is a matter of feelings and not analysis. Let go of your preconceived ideas about poetry and read it for what it is: a message from the Poet’s soul.

As a conclusion to this article, I will quote the introduction to my last book Project: Heartbeats and Elevation:

“According to many, poetry is on the verge of extinction, doomed to disappear in the miasma of mediocrity. However, those who condemn this art form do not realize how untrue it is. Poetry is not dying. It cannot die. It will not die.

Although it was valued highly at some point in history, poetry has always been considered with some disrespect compared to other art forms such as painting or theatre. Only a few poets are remembered today, for two reasons: they were not numerous at the time or had a way with words. But today, with everybody trying their hand at poetry, the quality has dramatically decreased. Furthermore, school does not promote poetry the way it could or should.

Poets are often described as neurotic and antisocial. As a result, generations of readers have avoided poetry because they are still under the impression that it is too abstract or too hard to understand. Indeed, some poets enjoy writing about obscurity and using difficult words. Nonetheless, many talented but unknown voices have been discouraged and have stopped writing simply because no one cares to listen nor read what they had to say.

My intention, with this book, is not to make history. I am not Shakespeare, Victor Hugo, or Elizabeth Bishop. My only purpose is to offer my vision of spirituality and God. For me, poetry is the best medium. It does not have to be abstract or pedantic to hammer its truth home. Poetry serves a singular and quite unique design in life.

The way each individual interprets words and phrases, rhythm and sounds does not matter. It is all about firm belief; belief in the beauty of nature, life, love, and possibilities. Of course, one will always find pain, misunderstanding, as well as anger along the way. However, if one can see beyond those hurdles, the rewards will be bountiful!

I hope you will enjoy this collection.”

Now, go and read some poetry!

http://www.stellarshowcasejournal.com/sept.oct.nov/cendrine.marrouat.htm

http://www.stellarshowcasejournal.com/winter/cendrine.marrouat.htm

http://www.emuse-zine.com/page10.html

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