Assignment 0

Sept 1st, 2008.
This is my Sophomore year at SLU, and I am studying art, poetry, and psychology. In short I study subjects that interest me, but what does that mean? I like art because it is tangible and physical. Even so, while drawing is physical, it is also removed, it is reflexive and an interesting filter. Art -to me- is an act of basic creation. Maybe the reason I love art, and other subjects like it, is explained by my home. I grew up on a lake, at the perfect summer and winter house. The community was small and tight nit, and my parents raised me by creating an open and understanding atmosphere of growth. Home is where I learned to hike, to walk, to run, to sit, to ski, and more recently to enjoy days in and of themselves. After high school I left home and went to some outdoor schools and worked. I feel that my most important experiences involving feedback, where in these situations. Needless to say, rock climbing, hiking, skiing and even carpentry can involve dangerous situations. At these times and after, I was given, and I gave important critics. I learned to hand out and take feedback constructively, and how to appropriately internalize it. I am lucky to feel quite comfortable with these skills now. I have learned a lot about my self, gained confidence with practice, and I understand the importance of feedback.

To this date the most important poet in my life has been Shel Silverstein. Granted, I haven’t read much but he is still my clear favorite. Shel’s poems have two distinct aspects that appeal to me. On the one hand many are funny and humorous, which is a usually produced through content or narrative. On the other hand, he had subjects and stories that I grew with and learned from. I can’t imagine a better legacy. I can’t tell you what makes poetry that I’ve read “good” or “bad,” or even tell you what I’ve read. But in my few years of school I have read poetry, and I can tell you what I liked. I like imagery that uses the imagination, I like surprises, I like puns. “Good” poetry makes me laugh, for whatever reason. “Good” poetry also makes me think, and (not because of the thinking) can make me depressed. “Good” poetry sticks with you. “Good” poetry describes you, or something in a new or old way. “Good” poetry is good. Shel’s poems fit these markers on every level. This is why I want to learn how to organize a poem. I want to break free from rhyming. I would love to describe something close to me, with more accessible language. I want to write poems I am proud of, and I want to do it again and again. -Alex Comeau-