It comes across as overly ambiguous when you simply state the poem is open to interpretation. Of course it is, but that does not make it any more tangible or meaningful to an individual aside from yourself. He is not closed-minded for critiquing your commentary. A unified, underlying theme/message often helps to direct writing in a way to directly communicate with your audience. You're not Charles Bukowski or William Blake. Take a few small steps to inscribe a motif or some relevant symbolism in your words, friend.

- This underlying meaning you speak of is only brought up upon by scholars agreeing with a meaning and passing it on so many people can use it and communicate through it, the truth about poems is that there can never be a true underlying meaning because there will always be another interpretation, another outlook on someones words
- and what I meant by saying it is open to interpretation is that I accept others opinions even though they may not have been the outcome I was looking for in someones interpretation.
- I do not claim to be Charles Bukowski or William Blake
- I usually do try to make a motif in my poems, even if they are blatantly obvious, because sometimes one needs to write that way
- I begun the argument with our fellow forum member because one may be able to critic a poem as to where one can improve, but to go so far as to say one has no real talent in the matter is just selfish, especially when they do not back it up with some of their own work
btw that is on of many poems I have written over the years, this was a poem I wanted to share with others to get their interpretation of it and parts in the poem where it can be improved, which you Petecrack have shown in the post above, thank you

Im curious, does the structure of the stanzas serve any purpose?

I also think something about the wording seems off. Some of the best poems are regarded so not only because of their content, but also of how they easily flow off the tongue. When i read this, I find the words bunch up or get tangled a little. Trial and error with different wording can fix this

^The structure serves for reading, when to take breaks, extended pause, etc... I am still trying to figure out with other poems whether I would like to have a pause or not.
The pauses, such as the ellipsis is there for the reader to sink in what the line is describing, or just stating.



^My vocabulary at this point in my life still needs much expanding xD thanks for your input

bit too much surrealism..

needs a realistic grasp

I agree, although his poem might seem nice, with cool words and such, it has no real meaning, its empty of content. I think that poetry is about content, maybe a story, maybe a point of view on a subject, or even a personal experience. The words you choose to write it, can be any you like, simple or complex, doesnt matter, as long as you get to express the real story you are trying to tell.

Well, this is just to cheer you up. Do you know what a falling man said to himself as he was falling......
V V V
V V V
V V V
V V V
V V V
V V V
so far so good...so far so good.

This post was edited by thawtar on Jan 22 2012 06:41pm

you need to realize that what he told you is actually very open-minded. he said what you wrote was not good poetry and you should by all means try again. if he were not willing to move or be open to new types of writing/poetry he would have simply said you're bad; stop writing.

what you're saying is actually more "close-minded" than him. it's a fairly common response for someone who is clearly overwhelmed/unaware as to what they're really even doing to say that others are close minded for not liking their creations.

maybe you should really try to take what he said seriously if you want to have any sort of emotional impact on anyone but yourself with this poem

the edge
where i find myself
never seen and never lost

i cannot see in the dark
without that of
penetrating light

i cry for help
yet people
let me fall
pain waits me at the bottom

what of emotions
for they do not matter
against the behemoth of a hurricane

the fall is foever seeming

how to grip a shield
with no strength in hand