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Shakespeare's Monkeys

Infinite Monkeys. Infinite Typewriters.

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Incidentally, it's not use of forms that makes a "true poet" -- certainly writers of form are no better poets than writers of free verse.  I could never advocate form over free verse, however it irritates me no end to see people calling themselves poets without a knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the craft.  And it's a craft, not an art.  Art is just nonspecific "stuff" -- you use it to infuse your craftwork. 

A true poet, if such a thing exists, would be one who has mastered many different types of poetry and chooses the best vehicle for his/her work.  Nobody with any taste would say that a Louis XIV cabinet is not a work of art, but that same craftsman no doubt once built shoddy tables in his back shed.  Just as you can't just pick up a hammer and make that cabinet, you can't just pick up a pen and think you're going to write a masterpiece.  

But you can learn. 

by Leanne on June 2 2007