Like many people I was never into poetry and never understood its appeal to the few that were. Like some other art forms, it’s really only what a certain few can appreciate at any given time. It is not simple enough to appeal to a broad audience. It doesn’t easily stimulate primitive emotions (e.g. action movies or what’s “catchy”) so it could never capture and hold the interest of the general population. This may be particularly true in our highly stimulated society. But I think if some people can appreciate poetry, I think anyone can. In fact if given the right conditions I think a person could learn to appreciate anything (yes anything), or at they very least be put in the right direction.
What do I like about poetry? I like that it’s as simple as words on paper arranged a certain way yet it explores ideas, emotions, and connections. At least I think that’s what poetry is. I really don’t know anything about it. I guess poetry is just “deep.” It’s not flashy and it’s not imposing.
I liked Crane’s poem since it gave a snapshot of what the Brooklyn Bridge really meant to someone. Maybe it was impossible to communicate Crane’s message in any other way but a poem. Maybe not. I think he did it because that was probably the best way.
Good–do you think Crane’s poem would still be as good if it didn’t use the poetic devices he chose (I.e. rhyme)?
It’s difficult for me to sense the rhythm in poems. I focused more on the words and imagery. The rhythm definitely added structure. Without it I think it would have been difficult writing the poem in a way that has the same effect.