#2 (The Influence of Form)

So, I've discovered lately that I love the fact that we are learning so much about form this semester. I honestly never thought I would say those words, because I wanted to be one of those poets who is so awesome that form is just a limitation that they don't need to follow. However, as I delve deeper in my study of poetry, I have realized that no such poet really exists. Every poet uses form in some way, even if they create their own form. Berryman wrote consistantly in Dreamsongs, and Collins invented his own form (just like we did). Our study of form this semester has lead me to a greater understanding of poetry overall. Analyzing a form leads to an analysis of the main poetic structures, such as rhyme scheme, repetition, and meter. Thus, my poetic vocabulary has also increased. I have realized that I also subconciously absorb some of the tactics of the poets that I read. I notice this when I see inspired elements in my own writing. For example, in one of my poems, I parenthezied a line, which I have never done before, and I think I just remembered it from reading (picnic, lightning) in the quote prefacing Collin's poem. It is both scary and awesome that the poets that we read can directly influence our writing, but I think it has lead me to a greater understanding of just how important form is.

#1 (picnic, lightning)

"Picnic, Lightning" was my favorite poem from the collection by Billy Collins. I enjoyed the beginning quote that set up the poem, even before I knew the full context of it. Without knowing the context, it is simply an intriguing line that sets up the poem and captures the interest of the reader. It is a rather shocking quote. My main interest in this poem is because of the duplicity of the simple action and dramatic results. I think that the contrast throughout the poem is what brings it to life. In additon, I've lived in Florida, which is the state with the highest amount of deaths from lightning per year. So, I think I'm more aware of the intrinsic power of lightning than most. I like how the poem begins with almost fantastical images of sudden death, and then gradually moves to (literally) harvesting life. I love the very specific description of the garden, and I think that it helps the poem to end while focusing on the truly beautiful nature of life. I think that this was a great title for the whole collection because this one poem represents most of what is covered in all of the others. It encompasses the strange in the ordinary, and the magic that happens with life everyday.