Romance abounds in the arts. We've been discussing it's role in fiction, but romance resides in poetry, music, dance, sculpture and any other art form imaginable.
Do you write poetry? Have you ever attempted to write a poem?
I'm not a poet, nor do I make reading poetry a habit, but I do appreciate it. It's a fascinating art form. From Haiku, to sonnets, to free-form poetry, there are countless ways to express emotions. Even the structure of a poem can be romantic, the way each line falls off the tongue.
Read the passionate, moody poem "I Cannot Live Without You" by Emily Dickinson. It doesn't convey flowery attraction; it bursts with deep need.
I came across this little beauty when I typed Poetry and Love into a search engine. "Dance Romance Enhance Depants."
Do I know exactly what it means? No. But it evokes modern day romance--not my cup of tea, thank you--but for many, dancing and de-pantsing is romance. See why we need Emily Dickinson and other love poets?
Speaking of dance, what could be more romantic than ballroom dancing? Or watching a graceful ballet? Or staying at home, cranking on the radio and forcing--ahem, requesting--your husband/boyfriend/wife/girlfriend to dance with you? Music, dance, and romance go together.
I couldn't even begin to tackle romance in music. Think of all the love songs. My goodness, I sing them every day! And no matter how many times I've heard a particular song, it still stirs me. Powerful.
Do you have a favorite poem? Favorite love song? I'm broadening my horizons, so I'd love to check them out.
Join me on Wednesday when we'll look at romance in art.
Hmm.. I was just listening to someone saved my life tonight by Elton John last night and I'm using it as a part of my WIP 'muse-ic' It's interesting where we find our inspiration isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI read poetry often for inspiration. One of my current favorites is not really a traditional love poem, but has a great story of love & loss.
ReplyDeleteShe Dwelt Among the Untrodden Ways
She dwelt among the untrodden ways
Beside the springs of Dove,
A Maid whom there were none to praise
And very few to love;
A violet by a mossy stone
Half hidden from the eye!
- Fair as a star, when only one
Is shining in the sky.
She lived unknown, and few could know
When Lucy ceased to be;
But she is in her grave, and, oh,
The difference to me!
William Wordsworth, 1800
Whenever I read this poem I think there's definitely a whole book in there!
Oh I definitely have some favorite love songs! They stir me too and I love listening to them when I'm writing!
ReplyDeleteBTW, I like the new look of your blog! Good match with your website!
Good Morning! And Happy President's Day!
ReplyDeleteT.Anne: File that one in your "muse-ic" file--what a fun way to phrase it! Love it!
Kelly: Welcome! Gorgeous poem--thanks for sharing it. I do think there is a book in it. Nothing stirs my gotta-read-it sensors quite like a hidden love.
Jody: Thanks, Jody! I know you use Pandora. I've been meaning to check it out--maybe today will be the day I make that happen!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
I wrote a lot of poetry in college. I don't read much of it now, but a friend our hours does this poem of month thing, so every month we get a poem from her (not written by her, but one she's picked out) in the mail, not email, regular mail. That's helped me keep in touch w/poetry. I don't have a favorite off the top of my head but thanks for reminding me that I have a binder full of poems from my friend.
ReplyDeletePaul: Your friend sounds pretty awesome! And I'm glad you keep them in a binder--great idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by!
Jill, you're doing an incredibly wonderful job here on your blog.
ReplyDeleteHmmm. The only poems I wrote were embarrassing lovesick ones and terribly dark ones (reflecting college loneliness)
My favorite poet? Mary Oliver.
Check out "Lead." It's a story that will break your heart.
Also LOVE Gwendolyn Brooks' writing, which I taught in Humanities. Check out her "Mother" if you want to go edgy...and true.
I write poetry on a regular basis, but I rarely write about romance. I wrote several poems for my husband, but even then I tend to lean toward the inspirational rather than romantic. However, romance is inspirational, so maybe I am a romance poet...of sorts :)
ReplyDeleteI love the poem "Fox in Sox" by Dr Seuss however I'm not sure that qualifies as romantic ;)
ReplyDeleteThis post comes at an interesting time. I've been feeling very joyful and fulfilled of late and it caused me to start writing poetry again. I couldn't stop. Not that they are publish worthy pieces or anything, sometimes emotions just overtake you. One of my favorite love songs is "When You're Smiling" by Louis Armstrong or "Since I Seent You" by Anthony Hamilton. The lyrics are SO powerful.
ReplyDeleteI wrote poetry in high school and in my early 20s, but don't most girls? I am not a big poetry fan, but I can see why people are drawn to it.
ReplyDeleteI dabble in poetry, but I'm terrible. My favorite love poem is Emily Dickinson's, "How Do I Love Thee."
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Susan :)
Ahh...I'm not alone in my distance from poetry!
ReplyDeletePatti: Thank you--very kind of you. I just wrote down both poets you recommended. Can't wait to check them out!
Brittany: Nice! I don't think poetry HAS to be romantic, but I'm a sucker for any love story, you know!
Jaime: Ha! Love that one, too!
Regina: Cool! And don't knock your art. Who says they aren't publishable??
Amy: Oh, that's funny. I didn't write poetry in high school, which is kind of surprising now that I think of it!
Susan J: Don't say that! And I'm a fan of Ms. Dickinson's too!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Hmm... I'm a fan of the "How much do I love thee? Let me count the ways..." poem. It's a great one!
ReplyDeleteI love e.e. cummings, but cannot for the life of me write poetry.
ReplyDeleteHey, Jill - stop by my blog sometime to pick up your Sunshine Award :)
ReplyDeletetherehastobeabeginning.blogspot.com
Kristen T: I forgot about that one! Thanks for reminding me!
ReplyDeleteAngie: Neither can I--but I can make excellent cookies, so I'm cool with that!
Karin: Thanks--I will!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Some of my favorite love songs are: Unchained Melody, When a Man Loves a Woman (Has to be by Percy Sledge,) Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye, and Reason To Believe.
ReplyDeleteNancy: Great taste--I love all the songs you mentioned!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by!