So, why is this a great poem?
Let me try to explain.
First, notice there’s no rhyme.
Rhyming is for children.
Also, notice the absence of adverbs or adjectives.
Serious poets avoid these.
They focus, instead, on nouns and strong verbs.
These are much more powerful.
Now, in this particular case,
the poet’s avoided punctuation altogether.
......
A smug poet in a sweater,
holding carefully marked books,
reads his poems quite slowly
and adds animated looks.
While white haired old ladies
and sophisticated old men,
sit in hard metal chairs
and listen intently to him.
......
So, why is this a great poem?
Let me try to explain.
First, notice there’s no rhyme.
Rhyming is for children.
Also, notice the absence of adverbs or adjectives.
Serious poets avoid these.
They focus, instead, on nouns and strong verbs.
These are much more powerful.
Now, in this particular case,
the poet’s avoided punctuation altogether.
......
A smug poet in a sweater,
holding carefully marked books,
reads his poems quite slowly
and adds animated looks.
While white haired old ladies
and sophisticated old men,
sit in hard metal chairs
and listen intently to him.
......