Year of the Book: A tid-bit from "Doing Our Own Thing" by John McWhorter

[eleneariel]

From the chapter called "Got Marjoram?" or Why I Don't Have Any Poetry

 

"I own about five thousand books, but until I researched and wrote this chapter, among them was not a single volume of poetry of any kind. The reason is that I have never cottoned much to poetry. Most of it bores me, although I feel a little guilty about this, and in an idealized version of myself in my mind, I spend the occasional evening poring over a book of verse, cat on my lap, and a hot cup of tea close at hand."

 

There are certain poets who can capture my interest and stir my soul, but for the most part I can echo McWhorter's sentiment. I'd like to enjoy poetry, and I'd like to learn more about it - and I plan to in that mythical, idealized "someday" version of myself.

Comments

[main-hoon-emily.livejournal.com]

Same here! I like the idea of curling up with a book of poetry, but when it comes down to it I just don't like most of what I've read.

As with most things, I blame it on my terrible teacher from sophomore and junior English. :-P

[greenhornet.livejournal.com]

Do you read it out loud, dramatically?
That makes it much better.

[eattheolives.livejournal.com]

I might attract some odd looks, but that's an excellent idea. :)

[princess-mia.livejournal.com]

Why is it we feel guilty anyway?:)

[eattheolives.livejournal.com]

Because ... because ... poetry is "intellectual", I suppose. :)