Sadly no - creative writing is taking a back seat even in primary school - from my experience anyway - and I am a teaching assistant....
I think I was very fortunate in the period I went to school. Drama - ad lib drama - was very much flavour of the day with young forward thinking teachers. I just loved it. I was actually shy by nature, but could lose myself on a stage - be anyone I wanted to be. I'm not much different now :)
Charlotte, I'd agree that writing any type of formally structured poety is a useful exercise in discipline. It's just that often the essence of the form is lost, by poets just looking at a syllable count. Often the essence of what the poet is trying to say is also lost - wrapped in chains that shouldn't be there. It obviously depends on the poet and the poem. Some do everything brilliantly.
Comment is about The Write Out Loud interview: Fiona Sampson (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
@Isobel, it's funny, 'cause my strongest memories of creative writing in schools was in primary schools. i used to love it. i had it in my head that this level of education would still have the highest level of encouragement to participate in creative writing but i guess not anymore. i find that pretty sad.
i did more about persuasive texts in secondary, and now i'm in college we do a nice variety.
i like the haiku as a form. it forces you to think in a disciplined way about the words you use.
Comment is about The Write Out Loud interview: Fiona Sampson (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Anthony...Thanks.
Comment is about THE NIGHT BATTLE (blog)
Hi Harry,
A very interesting take on the subject. A very creative use of language. "Simmoom" has a lovely sonority. You might want to look at "Defololiate" though - slow picked leaves maybe? :)
Regards,
A.E.
Comment is about THE NIGHT BATTLE (blog)
Anne...Re the subtitle:I used to perform it with the joke that it was written before `Viagra and the Pill had spoiledthe whole bloody shennanigan by casualising it`But wasn`t going to blog that bit. But I`d just read a report that large sections of Japan`s youth were actually becoming dis-interested in sex and began to get the horrible fear that any youngster under the age of forty might not even `get` what the poem was about.But generally you`re right - so it`s off.
Comment is about THE NIGHT BATTLE (blog)
John, you are the only man I know who can rhyme clitoris with Doris. Well done. Win x
Comment is about Clitoris (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Hi Antony, good to see an actual pic of you. Good luck with your words. Enjoyed reading some of your samples again tonight. Win x
Comment is about Antony Owen (poet profile)
Original item by Antony Owen
Enjoyed this Steve - very evocative - you have a real feeling for words. I also liked your profile poems especially Skiddaw. Skiddaw gave me what remains a supreme moment on the hills, many years ago. The poem was perfect
Comment is about A Dog's Life (blog)
Original item by STEVE RUDD
I enjoyed reading this - great questions and interesting responses - particularly relating to poetry in schools.
I currently work in a primary school and have children at all levels in the education system. What strikes me now is the fact that creative writing ceases after primary level - and even there it is much reduced, from what I remember when I was at school. There is much more emphasis now on 'persuasive writing', and writing to inform; writing leaflets, instructions etc. Believe me, it is the most tedious exercise imaginable writing out instructions on how to get ready for P.E....
How can we expect our children to engage with poetry when they are not having a go for themselves - experiencing first hand the fun that can be had with language?
On that score, I'd agree also in the dumbing down of society - I don't reckon a TV and playstation in every bedroom helps much! I've even heard that the abbreviation gr8 is acceptable in certain english exams, where spelling isn't deemed important.
I would agree about Haiku also. Most english examples of it are pretty poor - just carving up of syllables really.
Not sure I completely agree with the response to page/performance poetry. Clearly, all poetry can be performed, just as all poetry can be read. Certain types of poetry work better on page than stage though and visa versa.
Think that's me done. Great interview - I enjoyed.
Comment is about The Write Out Loud interview: Fiona Sampson (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
I enjoyed the poem, even though I don't like dogs. Alas, my wife does. The last couplet is good, a fitting end.
Comment is about A Dog's Life (blog)
Original item by STEVE RUDD
I really enjoyed Gonaways - it connected with something in me. I've moved around more than I'd have liked and would agree that you can never go back to the person you were - the house doesn't exist any more. I really love the way you express that.
Enjoyed A Deadman Speaks to his Daughter - that's how I'd like to imagine it.
Comment is about STEVE RUDD (poet profile)
Original item by STEVE RUDD
Good for you, Isobel. She sounds like a great dog. If you don't want her, we'll have her.
Thanks MC. Let's hope, eh?
Comment is about A Dog's Life (blog)
Original item by STEVE RUDD
What a lovely poem Steve. Honest and down to earth - right up my street.
We've just taken on an orphaned dog - a long haired 10yr old border collie with smelly breath and hair that gets everywhere. I'd been fighting having a dog for years and when we first got it I was relieved that I wouldn't have to look after it beyond 5-8 years. Now that fact really worries me, because she's bonded big time with everyone - completed the family in fact. So I can understand in small part, how you must feel.
Comment is about A Dog's Life (blog)
Original item by STEVE RUDD
Hara Willow from Poets a'Hoy of Hoylake relaxing after her 2nd (Yes 2nd Win) at Poets Corner Tuesday Night...Well Done You!
Comment is about Hara Willow - Winner (photo)
My sister who has kept. loved and lost many dogs would know your feelings. Loss can but
point the way to the chance for another to enjoy a "dog's life", to make a sad owner a glad owner once again.
Comment is about A Dog's Life (blog)
Original item by STEVE RUDD
Provocative - and entertaining. A welcome
combination. As a versifier, I raise my pen
in salute.
Comment is about Eyes On A Winter Page (blog)
Original item by Ian Gant
Well done Kealan on your joint 1st place in WOL comp.
Comment is about Kealan Coady (poet profile)
Original item by Kealan Coady
Thanks Lynn for your comments on My Feotal Distress.
Comment is about Lynn Dye (poet profile)
Original item by Lynn Dye
Thanks Ann for your comments on my Feotal Distress.
Congrats on your 1st place.
Well done!
Comment is about Ann Foxglove (poet profile)
Original item by Ann Foxglove
i agree.. Libraries are defo been taken for granted
Comment is about Acrostic poem on Libraries (blog)
Original item by Andy N
Thanks for your comments. I am open to any ideas to help me improve.
I wrote this in my head while walking in the lake distrct.
I tried to keep it as tight as possible cos I didn't to ramble on and lose the picture I had in my mind.
Comment is about Gray Nicholls (poet profile)
Original item by Gray Nicholls
Thanks fo your comments.
I wrote this while working with young people who are at risk of peer pressure.
I use this to kick start dialogue etc. Then they can use their own words/poems to buy into expressing themselves.
But it can be used for any age group.
Comment is about M.C. Newberry (poet profile)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
"Relax" is one of those words that commands the ooposite. Like "Don't panic!"
Comment is about SYMPATHY FOR A BROTHER-IN-LAW (and others!) (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
..... a comment from the back of the class!
Comment is about Don't cry: Etta James (blog)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
She's still the best version by a mile of "I'd Rather Go Blind". Strong vocal overlying that vibrato bass.
Comment is about Don't cry: Etta James (blog)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
Whats a clitoris???
Ha!Ha! Only joking. Just thought I would open up a whole new avenue of tongue twisting conversation.
Research, converstion, touch, feel, imagination,sharing and patience come to mind. When looking to find and enjoy something.
Just like writing poetry.
Comment is about Clitoris (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
*groan*
Ya daft get! :D Aye see thee there!
Comment is about Mike Hilton (poet profile)
Original item by Mike Hilton
A pithy observation on the difficulty of being
true to oneself...especially in the context of
human relations.
Comment is about DON'T LET THEM FEED OFF YOU (blog)
Original item by Mike Hilton
A Poem - Days...by Graham Robinson (an adaption of a Philip Larkin poem)
What are days for?
Days are where we all live-
They come and go every day-
and have so very much to give.
Days come time and again, it really is a feat.
Daytime then passes to her friend - night time-
together they make our lovely days complete.
Then they allow us peace and quiet whilst we sleep.
Days are so very happy to be in-
for where else can we all live but days?
Days are always there to help us enjoy things-
in so many different ways.
Comment is about Graham Robinson (poet profile)
Original item by Graham Robinson
Sorry about that mate!I must have got mixed up in the excitement!I suppose you could say it wasn't TAYLOR made because of all the TINKERing about on the keyboard. I guess I'll just have to SOLDIER on and stay away from SAILORs especially with an Italian Captain!
Rock on, hope to see you at the Tudor next time.
Mike
Comment is about Laura Taylor (poet profile)
Original item by Laura Taylor
Aha - you replied to my other note on your own profile! Handy hint and tip Mike - if replying to someone else, put it on THEIR profile, otherwise they don't see it :)
Anyhoo, ta very much for y'note on Cause and Effect Mike, appreciate it :) Tis a great one to perform that - I get proper riled up hehe
See ya soon I hope, take care xxx
Comment is about Mike Hilton (poet profile)
Original item by Mike Hilton
A great read Laura- Straight away it makes you sit up and take notice. I can imagine you delivering this in your own energetic and unique style. Loved it!
Comment is about Cause and Effect (blog)
Original item by Laura Taylor
Hi Harry. I like the sub title (sorry Ann)-I can see the other side eventhough as Ann said it's a serious poem.
Good stuff
Comment is about THE NIGHT BATTLE (blog)
I love this Anthony - and the audio additions are great. (Next time you come to Poetry Mine I'll try to provide a windy night for your sound effects - shouldn't be difficult here in Cornnwall - you can add your own echoing footsteps!)
Comment is about bay 3 (blog)
Original item by Anthony Emmerson
I like this Harry. But I think the subtitle spoils it, as if you are trying to make it comic, when I think it is a serious poem. Just my thought!
Comment is about THE NIGHT BATTLE (blog)
What a striking poem - don't think I've read anything like it. I love "the mind's limbs had grown gaunt"
Comment is about THE NIGHT BATTLE (blog)
Crafted and compelling, but what is it about? Visiting a woman with dementia, and the struggle to connect with her, maybe?
Comment is about bay 3 (blog)
Original item by Anthony Emmerson
I've had this happen a few times too... : /
Comment is about dead daffodils (blog)
Original item by Ann Foxglove
Just finished commenting on John Keanes fine poem. This could have been written as an answer to it.
(Those footprints in the snow, as a metaphore of absence, are as artistic as anyone would wish)
Lovely sympathetic poem.
Comment is about bay 3 (blog)
Original item by Anthony Emmerson
Nice ambiance and a bit of a mystery... I now know what an anglepoise is!
Comment is about bay 3 (blog)
Original item by Anthony Emmerson
I like it. Nice audio that you've taken some time over - very atmospheric and scene setting.
I think you convey very neatly the facets of the personality you are describing. I like the way your verses are carved up into those different mood swings. It flows. x
Comment is about bay 3 (blog)
Original item by Anthony Emmerson
Hi Laura, new Bolton WOL start 7.30, be great to see u in March when Petrova on, will send you FB invite anyway, Jeff X
Comment is about Laura Taylor (poet profile)
Original item by Laura Taylor
A young fellow new to the group wrote:
A peacution freeze
In the midnight breeze
...which was nice.
Comment is about January Write Out Loud Collage Poem (blog)
Original item by J F Keane
Yes - your story made me laugh. I think the whole female sexuality thing isn't helped by woman's natural shyness. In my generation it was definitely taboo - and I reckon many thought and still think there is something wrong with them. Even when they find out they are normal - finding a voice to express yourself on these matters can be hard cos there still is a lot of ignorance on this subject - in spite of Cosmopolitan! We should set a themed poetry competition on the subject - all prizes could be of the marital aid variety :)
Comment is about Laura Taylor (poet profile)
Original item by Laura Taylor
<Deleted User> (6895)
Thu 19th Jan 2012 16:53
Haha - I shall stop derailing JCs thread and reply here instead!
Well yeh, totally - sadly it's very common for people to just not bother learning how each others bodies work for the best...what a loss eh?
Heehee - a bloke I knew once confessed to 'learning everything' he knew about sex from porn films. I was AGHAST! Didn't know where to start to discuss that. So I just fell about laughing and was immersed in this huge sense of shocked disbelief, that he actually thought that was real and true!! Even now, oo about 6 or 7 years after he told me, I still delight in telling other people about it in front of him. I figured the shame of it might provoke him into finding out the reality of it all :D
Comment is about Isobel (poet profile)
Original item by Isobel
<Deleted User> (6315)
Sat 21st Jan 2012 14:35
oh i like this one a lot
Comment is about The audience (photo)