The True Poet

[jmflash]

If you have ever said the following: “I am a poet,”
Then you are not a poet.
And this is unconditionally, categorically undeniable.

The true poet hates his own skin
and wants nothing more
then to hide his hideous face
inside of his coat pocket.

[lizzytysh]

Hmmm....are you saying that "true" poetry is only written out of pain, self-hatred, self-loathing? Could a person rightfully say, "I write poetry"?

Would it follow that Leonard should give up writing, now that he's more at peace with himself and his demons? I know what you're getting at [or think I do ] with your poem. I just can't agree. It's an interesting position to take, however. What are you basing it on?

[chani]

i don't think that the pomes refers to pain or self-hatred. maybe it wants to say that true poets don't see their work as a masterpiece, they just follow some kind of strange inspiration. and they don't always love this inspiration, because very often it makes them see that the answer to whatever the man looks for is inside him(her), in her own mind or soul. it may sound a little strange all this, but that's how i understood this poem.

[Makera]

Jmflash~

I found this very interesting in that I realized I have never called myself a "poet", even though I have tried, and do TRY at times to "write poetry".

I simply find it pretentious to claim what is always a 'work in progress' as a 'fait accompli', like Life itself; not because I can't stand myself. I'm a lover of language and the use of it to convey, and hopefully capture the essence of, life's experiences (especially the mystic levels of reality that defy common language). I only claim an 'interest in' poetry. Since 'poet' comes from the Greek: 'maker', I've always considered it presumptuous to claim such a title; there's only One true Poet. We are always dependent upon inspiration from the Source.

~Makera

[George.Wright]

Well put, Makera..............it is the inspiration, from the source.
Georges

[jmflash]

I believe that poetry, like philosophy or religion or any field of knowledge, is a pursuit of Truth. If one is sincere in trying to find Truth in the world, then they will put all their energy towards that pursuit and will have no thoughts of the self. I think beauty does come out of inner struggle. Remember that the Buddha spent six years torturing himself, and Jesus cried in the garden. He did not come to bring peace, but a sword, and to set the world on fire. Muhammad was suicidal after he received his first revelation and said, "Not once did I receive a revelation and not think that my soul had been torn away from me." The greatest art produced has usually represented some sort of deep pain. About your question about Leonard Cohen, from what I've seen on the blackening pages he does not seem that much at peace, "Too Tough." I recall one of his poems saying that out of a thousand poets only a few are sincere and the rest are fakers. He then said that he was undoubtedly a faker. I think we all know that if L Cohen is not a poet, no one is. But as to your question, one can definetly be at peace and see great Truth. Look at Thoreau's Walden, one of the greatest works ever written. The poem just meant that if one is sincere, they are selfless.

[Makera]

Jmflash~

Well said. And, "....if a man does not keep pace with his companions, let him step to the music which he hears; however measured or far away."

~Makera

[lizzytysh]

Hi Jmflash ~

Thanks. I also thought of the ecstatic poets, such as Rumi, when I gave my original response. Your deeper explanation I can agree with. However, as to calling oneself a poet, I feel the endeavour is a legitimately-claimable one, the same as any other, a novelist, a playwright, a songwriter, etc. ......even though, as you say, the pursuit is of/for Truth. It's merely the form for the search that differs. The inner peace that Leonard is finding can also be seen in his face in many of the more recent photos of him.

~ Lizzytysh

[jmflash]

I think you have to realize that there is a big difference between saying, "I write poetry" and "I am a poet." The Gita emphasizes detaching the action from the person. "Hate the sin, not the sinner." So also it goes, "Love the poem, not the poet."

[lizzytysh]

Yes, you're right, that my references are not Gita'ish, but rather contemporary in the sense of other vocations, avocations, and professions vs. the strictly-spiritual perspective of what one "does."

I'm still not quite getting the "hideous" ~ one can detach and be selfless, without considering oneself that ["hideous"], can't they?

Is the true poet only called that by others?

[Makera]

Jmflash~

Excellent answer; lucid and complete.

~Makera