Trying to Understand

An ancient poet once called all things fire. He was describing characteristics using the only terms possible to him, trying to understand.

Poetry is a rhythmic relationship established between word to transmit a specific idea.

A poem is personal and specific, because it the idea of a single person. He may believe everything comes from fire, or that the clouds are like smears of white paint. Whatever the case, that original instance of understanding belongs to him.

It comes from and resembles the poet's own cadence, so it has rhythm. Ideas have harmony and integrity, so the poet must organize words and emphases in their appropriate places. This is the poet's beat.

It is transmittable, because everybody has a beat. Poetry does not bring an idea down; it lifts its audience into itself. Poetry makes choristers of commoners, with the poet as the conductor.