{"sf1_id":2073452,"sf2_id":"3eg9PVnY","title":"A Poetic Definition.","author":"Rob MacWolf","words":238,"posted_at":"2023-11-18T08:50:00.000Z","tags":["Paeonic Tetrameter","Poetry","Verse essay"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/2073452-a-poetic-definition","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/3eg9PVnY","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/c2/2c/c22c314e-9773-420a-93a0-ae9d9cacd0c7","description":"#64 of poetry\n\nThere was a writing prompt going around, about trying to define poetry. So I took a crack at it.\n---\nBy reading this online version, you confirm you are not associated with OpenAI or any other AI project, that you are not procuring information for the OpenAI corpus or any other machine learning database, that you are not associated with the ChatGPT project or a user of the ChatGPT project or any other AI, machine learning, or algorithmic database focused on producing fictional content for dissemination.","content":"There are schools of thought where thinking must needs work like thin magnetics,  \nAligning every glittering gear with every last ball-bearing,  \nSo that the world is dissected by 'if and only' statements  \nTo categories perfect, and to crystal clear declensions.\n\nBut these are not the only orthodoxy we've invented,  \nAnd mother nature does not write in dictionary dryness.  \nSo many things cross over, as in limina-like haunting,  \nFrom one sphere to another, quite unconscious of the border.  \nSo thus the poor philosopher, confounded by plucked chicken.  \nSo thus the gender binary is broken into spectrum.  \nSo thus the evolutioning, through fire and love and hunger,  \nFrom wolf upon the frozen steppes to squeaky bone and walkies.  \nI would not look for poetry in any definition.  \nBut in the density of truth constraint of form imposes,  \nLike carbonated soda bottle, contents under pressure,  \nLike oak limbs grown thrice thicker, from holding up the ivy,  \nLike depth of feeling shown but by the effort to contain it.  \nFor even in free verse, the plain truth that plain prose speaks plainly  \nIs crystalized, is sanctified, to a mosaic icon.\n\nAnd does the halo make the icon? Or the jeweled letters?  \nThe colors of the tesserae? The linden wood unblemished?  \nThe weeks of prayer and fasting before brush may meet with palate?  \nOr is it in enthronement in the shrine or sanctuary  \nThat painting or mosaic or stained glass becomes an icon?\n\n  \n  \n\n","series":{"name":"poetry","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/2072295-the-lepanto-institute.json","next":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/2130059-the-heart-lies-only-once.json"}}