CONTENT AND FORM
The following is a personal view.
To my mind, producing poetry can be like the art of cuisine.
Content of poetry (like food) can be varied - to be entertaining, pleasing, able to stimulate
interest and debate beyond the reach of safe and sacrosanct expectations. Sassoon and
Owen used content powerfully and it survived the forms they used to reach the public
palate. Not always easy to digest but the recipe has a powerful tradition that survives time
and fashion in its ability to question and debate "sacred cows" and received wisdom.
In that sense, content is always more important than form. The latter is a framework for what
is produced and is, after all, a matter of personal taste in many cases.
Poems on "difficult" subjects can open a window that helps extend the view beyond past
limits and are always to be encouraged without fear or favour in the wider interest of mental
exercise and increased social awareness. Poetry deserves proper respect and that includes
care, control and accuracy in the choice and application of the language used. "Sloppy" was
a common word from my own schooldays and its relevance is still apparent today.
So - if you're content with the message of your poem's content, adopt the form you think best -
and be content!
M.C. Newberry
Thu 8th Oct 2015 15:47
I would never underestimate the value of form but I hold
the view that it is the "servant" of content.
Thanks for your comment.