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Cherie Burbach

writer, artist, poet

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Home | Words | Being a Creative Entrepreneur | So Says the Poetry Geek

So Says the Poetry Geek

January 22, 2013 2 Comments

Poetry geek. That’s me. But it’s not like I know and have read all the poets. I really haven’t studied the poets, and as I mentioned before, that bugs some writers. But I have read a lot of poetry, and I’ve written it since I was a kid.

I think you have to find the poet you can really relate to. Here’s the secret thing that really bugs me: When people think poetry needs to be so abstract and flowery that you can’t relate to it. That if you don’t get it, you’re an idiot.

cherie phone

Guess what? You’re not an idiot. You’re a normal person who would like poetry if you found some that would move your soul. You shouldn’t need an interpreter to understand poetry. You shouldn’t need someone that has to say, “See, the flower in this case represents the sky and the grey stone represents his stubborn nature, and….”

See how boring that explanation is? And the problem with that explanation is not you and it really isn’t the poet, it’s the fact that the poem didn’t resonate with you. But someone, somewhere, told you that because it didn’t resonate the problem was with you.

It wasn’t.

Why do I bring all this up? Because poetry can get very snobbish. The people that write poetry can get very snobbish, and I find this personally offensive. As a poet myself, I can’t imagine saying to someone who didn’t like my poetry: “Well it’s because you obviously… (dramatic sigh)… don’t understand poetry.”

I would never say that. You know what I’ve said about people who don’t like my poetry? That it’s okay. It’s not going to resonate with everyone.

One reason this snobbery has begun to really irritate me is that I know how beneficial poetry has been in my life. It has helped me understand the world and move beyond the hardships in my life. It inspires, helps you grieve, helps you smile, reminds you of the majesty of God, helps you see the beauty in the world… and a million other things that are both universal and personal in nature.

But if you’ve given up on finding poetry you like because you’ve had people tell you the kind of poetry you should like… well, please, try again. Read a variety of poets. Send out a note on Twitter or Facebook and ask people what they like. Do some digging. I promise you that you will find a poet that sings to your soul.

There is value in poetry for your life. You just need to find it.

Tags: don't understand poetry, poetry, poetry geek Categories: Being a Creative Entrepreneur, Poetry

About the Author

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Cherie Burbach is a full time artist and writer. Her art prints, originals, and functional art pieces are available in artsy stores and galleries through the country and here at her site. Join her for Painting the Psalms. She is the author of over fifteen books, which vary from nonfiction to poetry to kid's books. Just for fun she created a family card game called Cupcake Commotion. Her first novel is The Space Between Dreaming.

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Comments

  1. Laura says

    January 22, 2013 at 9:46 am

    I agree totally with this entire post! I love to write poetry and the poetry people can be a bit snobbish if you get in with the wrong crowd…I say “Keep it real”!

    Reply
    • Cherie says

      January 22, 2013 at 10:10 am

      That should be our motto from now on: “Keep it real.” Thanks, Laura!

      Reply

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Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers’ Favorite

The Space Between Dreaming is a moving novel written with warmth and heart and which contains valuable wisdom. I loved that...
Cherie Burbach
2020-02-16T15:00:57-06:00
The Space Between Dreaming is a moving novel written with warmth and heart and which contains valuable wisdom. I loved that the work tackles difficult topics about childlessness, childhood trauma, and betrayal by friends with sensitivity. It tenderly captures the social and emotional toll of being childless. I loved the main characters and found them to be realistic and engaging. The work masterfully explores the themes of friendships and relationships, drawing important lessons that can be applied in real life. The inclusion of art and the process of painting also enhance the story. Cherie Burbach's unforgettable novel will resonate with readers for its applicable themes and compelling characters. Fans of women's novels will love it.
https://www.cherieburbach.com/testimonials/lisa-l/
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Cherie Burbach's writing is surprisingly vivid, this being her debut attempt. She can take you inside the character's mind within...
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Cherie Burbach's writing is surprisingly vivid, this being her debut attempt. She can take you inside the character's mind within a span of words, all the things they're struggling with put bare before you. The prose isn't flowery, but gentle enough to nudge you into relating your traumas too, and heal as the characters do.
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Loved learning more about art, and the community surrounding the people in the book. Couldn't wait for the next chapter...
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Loved learning more about art, and the community surrounding the people in the book. Couldn't wait for the next chapter and following the women in this story. I am hoping the author has a second book in mind, to continue the journey of Jane and Grace. I would recommend this to book clubs, so they could meet and discuss what they read and what they think will happen next.
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A beautifully written story about the lives of two very interesting women who come together and form a life long...
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A beautifully written story about the lives of two very interesting women who come together and form a life long bond. I love how this book is written. I found myself placed in the story like I was an innocent bystander watching each moment unfold and learning more about art than I ever thought possible. As the book ended, I found myself wanting more. My hope is that there is a 2nd book in the works so I can continue watching the friendships unfold and the lives of the main characters continue to grow!
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Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers’ Favorite

The Space Between Dreaming is a moving novel written with warmth and heart and which contains valuable wisdom. I loved that...
Cherie Burbach
2020-02-16T15:00:57-06:00
The Space Between Dreaming is a moving novel written with warmth and heart and which contains valuable wisdom. I loved that the work tackles difficult topics about childlessness, childhood trauma, and betrayal by friends with sensitivity. It tenderly captures the social and emotional toll of being childless. I loved the main characters and found them to be realistic and engaging. The work masterfully explores the themes of friendships and relationships, drawing important lessons that can be applied in real life. The inclusion of art and the process of painting also enhance the story. Cherie Burbach's unforgettable novel will resonate with readers for its applicable themes and compelling characters. Fans of women's novels will love it.
https://www.cherieburbach.com/testimonials/lisa-l/

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