The Serious Business of Poetry

[gerard]

It's all kicking off over at the Guardian Books Blog.
www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/may/05/poet-laureate-poetry

As someone who does performance poetry I often find myself or other members of my ilk get criticised for debasing the noble art of "poetry". What say any of you?

[Séamus]

This debate never quits! I think all forms of literature are valid in their own right and all forms should be encouraged but it has to be said faster more rythmic forms are enjoyed by many more people because often bland poetry just read in a slow fashion is simply more boring as far as many people are concerned.

I like both forms to be honest but would rather perform my quicker material, it's much better to hear. Spoken word tends to attract a younger I mean we grew up with Hip Hop music so that may have something to do with it.

It seems from the outside that some who dispise spoken word appear slightly stuck up but this is not always the case it's all just a matter of taste really.