“poems about poetry are stupid” = snobbery

the next time
someone tells you
that writing a poem
about writing a poem
is a poor use of poetics,
tell them
that talking dirty
to a lover
is a waste of time
when the equipment
is so close at hand.

I am tired of the argument that poetry should be off-limits as a topic for poetry. My own view is that human endeavor, passion, love, sorrow, sweat, pain, and blood are all worthy of consideration, and I can’t think of anything that engages more of those things for me than the creation of poetry. Why should I not write about something that is the central organizing principle and driving force of my existence?

I think the source of much hatred of meta-poems is that most of them (like most other poems) suck, and because they are self-reflective, they amplify their own suckitude.

When I write a poem about poetry, about writing a poem, I try to expand the scope of what I write to include all sorts of thoughts about life, the universe, and yes, everything; poetry becomes a catalyst and a ground for larger thought. But it doesn’t mean I don’t mean what I say about poetry itself.

The writing of poetry, the reading of poetry, the performance of poetry are all religious rituals to me. I will write about my relationship with God as I see fit.

Try it sometime, o topic snobs: do a little self-reflection on why you do this. See if it inspires you to try and capture it in a poem.

If it doesn’t? I feel sorry for you. And yeah, I mean that.