Lately, I have been thinking about the way poetry is displayed in the modern day. I recently went into a bookstore in New Zealand and saw nothing on display but Rupi Kaur's books. This is no attack or hate speech about poets such as Rupi Kaur but I believe she is a sub-genre of poetry that I am not all that invested in. Everything in life is about balance and I don’t believe micro poetry should be the only display of poetry available. As a graphic designer, I have also reached the conclusion that a lot of poetry books that are put out are quite boring and don’t really capture the reader. I thumbed through her latest collection ‘home body’ and noticed line drawings, some justified text and an italicized line at the bottom used for dramatic effect to drive the poem home but a lot of the time it barely made it to the right street. A lot of poetry books are purely text but I feel the longer poems make up for the lack of anything else. Again, this is not an attack. This is nothing more than pondering. I believe handling shorter texts allows space for an extra layer of design. I believe nobody is really pushing boundaries these days. I can’t really talk about novels because there are too many on display to know who is doing what but as far as poetry goes, I believe something needs to be done to spark more of an interest. So you, reader, how do you feel about poetry books? Are you happy with the minimalistic approach? Do you like the stripped-back aesthetic of micro poetry? Do you wish they were more? I recently wrote a big poem about poetry being tucked away in corners and being like the forgotten toy in a toybox. I know there is room to make it more. Atticus stands amongst Kaur as a central figure in this micro poetry sub-genre and his new book, coming later this year will likely be another book that runs down the same vein as all the rest. There seems to be very little reinvention or evolution. I am the same with my approach to music. I adore records as records but wish for more the next go around. Kings Of Leon are a perfect example of a band that burnt out for me until they released ‘When You See Yourself.’ Essentially I am asking do you prefer the consistent approach or the everchanging? Who are your favourite poets and why? Hit the comment button below and let’s talk about poetry.
My personal belief when it comes to poetry is that we all "bleed" in different ways, and that's what makes it all so beautiful. My favorite poems are the pieces that identify a feeling or a thought in me that I didn't even know I had. I like some of Kaur's pieces, but her work doesn't really resonate with me. I preordered "LVOE" by Atticus the moment I heard it was coming out. My favorite poet is Tyler Knott Gregson. His poems are all over the walls of my apartment. I have this one poetry book called "Nocturnal" by wilder and I can really get into the writing of it. I just recently started sharing my own poetry on Instagram. I was afraid for a while because it's so intimidating to see such talented and popular poets posting such great work all the time, but through writing more and being open to sharing, I've come to realize that no matter what I pour out (shit or not), it was poured with purpose, and I try to read all poetry through that lens. While all poetry may not appeal to everyone, I'm also a big believer that we always find the right poems that we need to find at the right time.