Poetry Interviews

Our students asked family and friends about their memories of reading and writing poetry when they were in school. They also asked people if they still read or write poems, and they asked for people's ideas about what makes poetry different than other kinds of writing. Here are excerpts from the responses we got:

"I remember finding the hidden meanings."

"You get a detailed picture out of a little bit of writing."

"Poems don't have to be a whole book, just a few words to tell a giant subject."

"Every word counts."

"I write poems to Nana, and I write poems for special occasions."

"Poems paint a deeper meaning that cannot be contained in words. Poems are like a piece of art."

"If you type poems they are centered and you can make up words."

"In poetry you're writing something with more detail and with more figurative language."

"I remember sometimes it was hard to understand the poems."

And a longer quote:

"I have not written any poetry since I've been married. I still love reading it. Virgil at night. Poe in the morning. You can say more with less. Consider the word 'blue.' It could mean: sad, cold, lovesick, fallen, or anything…I love that. There is a great deal of freedom."

Thanks to all of you who participated in our poetry interviews! If you have more to say, let us know. If you'd like to join us to read or write poetry, send us an email.