With National Poetry Day around the corner (Wednesday 6 October), I want to share a couple of thought-provoking quotes I’ve discovered recently through my poetry groups.

w-h-auden-quote

It’s often very easy for a poet to ‘tell’ rather than ‘show’ in their work, so this from Anton Chekhov is a beautiful reminder:

“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.”

Chekhov was a 19th century Russian playwright and short story writer, who had a unique talent of that time to recreate and express what it means to be human.  So I’ve printed this out in fancy writing and stuck it to our fridge to remind me every time I get milk, juice, wine, etc. to show and not tell.

Another quote to catch my attention was the following by Francis Ponge, speaking about poetry:

“You have first of all to side with your own spirit, and your own taste. Then take the time, and have the courage, to express all your thoughts on the subject at hand (not just keeping the expressions that seem brilliant or distinctive). Finally you have to say everything simply, not striving for charm, but conviction.”

Ponge was a 20th century French essayist and poet heavily influenced by surrealism, who developed a prose poem form which meticulously examined everyday objects.  I like the self-exploration in this, the hunt to find a different angle from which to engage the reader.

As a poet I’m continually learning, developing and honing my skills, and participating in workshops, groups and courses is a fundamental way to do this.  In addition to reading, editing, researching, experimenting, critiquing, sharing…you get the drift.