Trying to Be a Poet: Does Dr. Seuss Count?
The Poet
Dr. Seuss made a great impression on me as a child, and I suppose that this is true for many children and their parents, as much today as then. He was the world's greatest poet. You are smiling as you remember your own early experiences with Seuss' surreal and sublimely creative books and illustrations. You think, “yes, as a child he surely was the world's greatest poet.” But you misunderstand me. I mean he IS the world's greatest poet...period.
Now I know that all you poetry aficionados are pooh-poohing in your cappuccinos and latte's right now while reading your volumes of Dickinson, Whitman, Yeats, Plath, and Pound, and I'm sure you have a point, but they did not influence a child...ever. They never stopped a person from crying though I'm sure they've caused a few to start.
But this is not to argue who is the greatest poet or even a biography of Theodor Seuss Geisel, but rather a look at the depth of his influence on me of which I was unaware. I believe this is true of many people, for can we ever really pinpoint who and when and where persons, places, or things changed the patterns in our lives? Or changed the way we thought? Or changed the way we dream?
My awareness of Seuss' influence on my writing came about because of fellow HubPages writer Lita Sorensen's Random Poetry Challenge. I wanted to participate, but never considered myself much of a poet. In fact, I am not what you or I would call a fan of poetry. But this was a misconception I had about myself, for I loved Shakespeare—even the sonnets—and have myself written many songs, and who is Shakespeare but a poet, and what are songs but poems set to music?
Writer's Block
I did not write a poem that first day of the challenge, or the next. Or the next. I read the poems other writers were putting out there, and that made me not write a poem too, for many of these were very good. The challenge passed, and it was only then that I finally forced myself to at least try.
It was a struggle in the beginning. A voice inside myself gave me quite enough criticism as I struggled along, and that is when the remarkable thing happened: I began to write down the criticisms too, and then responded to them, and back and forth, and realized that the poem had taken on a life of it's own. It took a structure I had never intended. And many parts were...Seussian. It was as though Dr. Seuss had been asked to write a serious poem. Of course, it may not be that good—I don't know—but it cannot be denied that it has been influenced by Dr. Seuss, as we shall see.
My intention was to write a poem that was 100 percent serious. I had been fighting the impulse to write in a glib style, but it wasn't until I fell in step with this new thing that it began to flow and come to life. It was as though Dr. Seuss' spirit had interceded on the poems behalf. All of this made me ponder other things that might have been influenced by the good doctor. And it was everywhere. In every song I have written. In every sentence I have constructed. In every joke I have told. In the way I perceive humor. In the way I walk and talk. Even if it isn't funny, even if it's so obscure you couldn't see it with a microscope, it is there. For who can know the degree and magnitude of a particular influence?
I present the poem to you now. You will see the influence, of course, you can't help it. Whether it is good or not, meh, but Dr. Seuss would like it I think, and that makes two. Not counting me.
My Sweet Castilion
This screen of mine, vacant, blinking,
taunting me, inviting, winking
me forward, to write with heart
or just, at least, to bloody start
to spill my guts upon the green,
sanguine as soldier's vented spleen.
Out, damn words, this ain't Macbeth,
does not determine my life or death,
but like the dam, cement a cracking,
when it spilleth forth it won't be lacking
for sheer volume shall pour out
to flood your heart or make me pout.
But what to say about an angel, my sweet Castilion,
who favors me, this old reptilian
leather brained, scaly heart,
who puts the horse behind the cart
who dives right in, head first it's true,
and swims with joy right in the goo of love.
(Whoa. What was that: That word you said,
You have rocks there in your head.
Yeah, you. That word. The one you wrote,
You're such silly, stupid goat
That one so fine, as fair as she,
Oh..She'll light your fire... in effigy!)
(So cut the crap, write it down,
Don't play the buffoon, cynic clown.)
Say what I feel and be sincere?
(It's what you want so put it here
and do not fear if you should gaff.)
The least I'll do is make her laugh.
Ok. So here goes...
That stupid voice I'm hearing knows
that I mean every word.
Sweeter than sugar...(that's a laugh,
could have been written by a Giraffe,
dig deep, I'll help you start,
say rather "Sweeter than a Lover's Heart.")
That's good. I like. It sounds so chivalrous,
If a bit, perhaps...carnivorous.
And so:
Sweeter than a Lover's Heart
Lighter than an Angel's wings
(Is that lighter than birds and bugs and things?
Lord, do you have to make everything rhyme,
You take too long and I don't have time.)
All right! Shut up! Sticks and stones!
Go gnaw on thistle and gristle and bones.
And so:
Sweeter than a Lover's Heart
Lifted by your Mystery, your Laugh, your Charm,
Swept up in Angel's Air, in Spirit Arms,
Your lovely fingers run through my hair and caress my soul.
Hold me tight, suspended within the bosom of your caring love
Above the world in imagined clouds, overwhelmed in undeserving peace.
(Not bad, not bad, for a silly bloke,
of course "lovely fingers" made me choke,
but that's to be expected.
And "caress my soul" is 101,
but it's clear you've tried and had some fun.)
Well...thanks, I stand corrected.
(Do you think you'll write a poem again?
Leaves of Grass or Gunga Din?)
More like cats and hats and eggs and ham
and existentialists named Sam.
Normally I write these articles,
not so many parts but lots of particles.
(Hmmm. You're having trouble ending, yes?
Can't wrap it up, that's what I guess.)
No, I can, I was just thinking,
it came to me in a moment's blinking,
the writer ceases on page to write,
but the poem goes on into broad, black night.
Five Interesting Facts about Dr. Seuss
In 1942, Seuss was placed in charge of the Animation Division of the Armed Forces Motion Picture unit by Colonel Frank Capra. Capra had created a concept and a character named Snafu (an unofficial acronym for "Situation Normal, All [Fouled] Up"). While in this position, Seuss oversaw the production of 24 Snafu cartoon shorts with the character designed by Art Heineman and Chuck Jones.. The voice of Pvt. Snafu was performed by the immortal Mel Blanc.
While in the Armed Forces, Seuss wrote Design for Death, a film that later won the 1947 Academy Award for Documentary Film.
Seuss had no children and was a recluse, spending much of his time alone in his studio.
Seuss (his mother's maiden name) is pronounced to rhyme with "voice." Not with "loose" as it is commonly pronounced.
He supposedly wrote "Green Eggs and Ham" on a bet with his publisher, Bennett Cerf, to write a book using only 50 words.
Comments
This is poetry, when a couple of lines like these work in a paraprosdokian sort of way. "Your lovely fingers run through my hair and caress my soul"... and also the following:
"Hold me tight, suspended within the bosom of your caring love".
It's charming.
From one Seuss fan to another, great hub. Enjoyable read.
I just had another trick or treater at the door dressed as horten the elephant.
Hey, what happened to all of the Dr. Suess fun? Today was halloween and I saw a lot of trick or treaters in cat in the hat costumes, which got me thinking about those good old green eggs and ham.
You are so very welcome Christoph, and it's been a lot of fun swapping Dr. Suess facts back and forth. I can't wait and hopefully you will be coming out with your 2nd Dr. Suess hub in the future. Until that time comes, Dr. Suess is the man and rules and don't forget to have a Happy Possum Day !!!!!!!
Man this hub sure has gotten silent. I got some good news that should put some life back into it. I got the brand spanking new full color mason fall 2010 shoe catalog today !!!! And let me tell you the options for that pair of dad's shoes in the cat in the hat comes back, are nunerous. To start off on page 14 there is #611 which is the black leather smooth-toe oxford for $84.95 or just $16.99 per month, which is not a bad bargain. Then on page 19 there is #606074 which are rich soft kidskin leather dress oxford with cap-toe for a mere $104.95 or just $15.74 per month. Then on page 22 there is #372 which is an all-leather styling for the chairman of the board for just $99.95 or $19.99 per month. And last but not least there is on page 24 #223 which is my favorite, the men's leather ultra-walker with cush-n-eez for a bargain price of just $79.95 or $15.99 per month. After page 24 then it's mostly woman's shoes which won't help us here. But Chris you have a good selection to pick from. All you have to do to get your very own catalog is call 1-800-428-2000 or write them at mason easy-pay, 1251 1st avenue, Chippewa Falls, Wi 54774. So there's all the information for you Chris since you showed some interest in the shoes, and it was my pleasure. Heck I might just give up my poems and become a shoe salesman like Al Bundy was on married with children. After all it must pay good because look at the house he and Peggy lived in Chicago. Peace man.
I'll be sure to let the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill know that you have gladly accepted their Dr. Suess diploma. My work is done here, have a Happy Possum Day !!!!!
Oh Christoph, I just thought I'd be the 1st one to tell you that you passed your final exam at UNC Chapel Hill with all 5 of your Dr. Suess facts. Your diploma will be sent off to you soon in the mail.
Also you will find in "THE FOOT BOOK" that for the most part on a single page that the words don't rhyme, but Dr. Suess made the words roll together on multiple pages into a children's poem. Dr. Suess truly is a poetic genius.
I have to point out that none of them were stinky feet
Now how could I of missed that Dr. Suess fact? In the Dr. Suess book "THE FOOT BOOK" there were at least 30 different kinds of feet, and none of them were a pair of feet. In reality Dr. Suess could of went on forever with different types of feet making this the biggest book ever. However he kept it short for the children.
Only a true poet such as Dr Suess could of made a great children's poem about someone that couldn't read. Now that was thinking!
I couldn't believe in the same book how that nook had a cookbook on a hook but couldn't cook cause he couldn't read. The nook is the only one I've ever seen in a Dr Suess book that could not read. Now that is irony.
Back to the Dr. Suess book "One fish two fish red fish blue fish". Poor old Ned had a lot of trouble with his bed in two different short storys. First his feet stuck out the two small holes. Then his head stuck out the big hole as he tryed to get comfortable. Then yet in another short story all the farm animals joined him in his little bed. Ned just couldn't get a break from Dr. Suess.
Another thing of interest in the Dr. Suess book " One fish two fish red fish blue fish" is that the doctor is always asking you to go ask your Dad, Mother, and Pop for their view on things. It seems that even back in 1960 Dr. Suess was trying to get parental involvement in his books. Which is still going on today 50 years later. That was probably his vision and plan all along.
In the Dr. Suess book " Oh, the thinks you can think" Saturday seem to be the main day where a lot of things happen. Peter the postman crossed the ice twice and you can think about why it is so many things go to the right. I guess Dr. Suess really liked Saturdays, maybe it's because you have more time to get things done.
In both "The cat in the hat" and " The cat in the hat comes back" everyone had a name except the little boy. There was of coarse the cat in the hat, the fish, Sally, Thing one & Thing two, Dad & Mother and all of the little cats named after the letters of the alphabet. But the little boy who did a lot of the narrating remains nameless since 1957. That's a long time to go without a name and anyone knowing it. It's kind of sad.
Yes we certainly did get off the subject of this hub, don't you agree Christoph. So getting back in the spirit of this hub let me point out an interesting thing in "The cat in the hat" book by Dr. Suess. The fish seems to be the main boss of the house. It didn't matter if he was in a bowl, a pot or standing on the table, he was always in charge and barking out the orders to both the cat in the hat and the children. I always thought that was rather interesting and funny - a fish in charge of a house.
How did good old stinky get involved with all of this? I thought we were talking about the poet Dr Suess, and that the green pants were empty.
I always thought it was Stinky's funk that was makin those green pants move around and that's why he'll always be in people's farts & souls.
Only Dr. Suess could think up a pair of pale green pants with nobody inside them that stands in the air, rides a bicycle, rows a little boat and hangs out in a snide-field. No wonder he'll always be in everyone's heart and on their minds.
In the Dr. Suess book "Oh the thinks you can think" the question is asked - How much water can 55 elephants drink. Well there is only 34 elephants at the watering hole, so either the wrong number of elephants was asked or in Dr. Suess's wisdom there are another 21 elephants walking up on the other side of the hill out of view. Take your pick and most likely Horton is on the other side of the hill too. I talked to Dan for you and he said all you need to do is call and make an appointment. He's in the book.
No that's short for Daniel and Butch. Anyway Horton the elephant was one of Dr. Suess' most caring characters, the way he took care of that lil' egg and watched over the lil' whos on that dust spect. Also glad to see Beth 100 back where she belongs.
All you have to do for comfortable shoes Christoph; "Even if you are on the run. Call 1-800- Mason. And this will get er done." This hub just brings the rhyme out of everybody. Oh that's right I am a poet, well sort of.
Here's another fact, Dr. Suess has written a combined 44 different childrens books for all to enjoy. And I will talk to the nurses Dan & Butch about that up close examination you were looking for.
Back to the price of those shoes that the cat in the hat used to wipe up that cake stain. I just got a mason shoe catalog in the mail and they have listed the exact same shoes as in the Dr Suess book. They also guarantee comfort or your money back.
No they are just interested in the facts, like why does your photograph keep changing? Here's another fact, In the Dr. Suess book "One fish two fish red fish blue fish" there are more blue fish then any other color, to include the fat one who wears a yellow hat. Go figure.
In the Dr. Suess book "One fish two fish red fish blue fish" not all of the zeds needed to get their one hair cut everyday. Instead some of the zeds could of just thrown it back like a pony tail. Also the nurses at UNC are questioning one of your 5 facts and they are putting it under closer examination. That's how the cookie crumbles in the Carolinas.
A stinky 2 depends on Stinky himself. you see this is a real story and you just can't make stuff like the small bang theory up.(the big bang theory was already taken.) So we'll just have to see what Stinky does in the future. After all he does hold several records in the field of bodily functions, many which can't be discussed here.
Thanks but it would be hard to compete with your enormous Dr Suess hub, with your never ending comments. Stinky has taken me far, and It's best that I just stick with stinky and his 166 followers for now.
The reviews on your facts are starting to trickle in from Chapel Hill, and so far so good. But there's still a long way to go.
beth, first congrats on your 100 birthday, and I got a call from our prime minister but I forget his name, just needs you to check if its green eggs and ham because he seems to remember Beths lean legs like lamb
oh, who knows
hey,
you should hub something about sues s, after all, he was the first homosexual to place his bum on the moon [duh by siting] and wrote something about the cat that he brought back, safe in his helmet hat
Another story in which Dr. Suess proved that hard headedness pays off is in "The Zaxs". When neither the North or South going zax would budge just one inch either to the East or the West for 59 years, a bypass was built around them. And in their honor it was named the zax bypass. Now how likely is that going to happen in real life? Most likely you would get your tail hauled off and put in jail. Man I'm almost as good at this as you all are. Maybe I'll just get out of the stinky bussiness and start my own Dr Suess hub. What do you think?
I just had to get in on these comments and as an amateur poet I worship Dr Suess. He is right up there with Edgar Allen Poe. Both poets are remarkable and highly gifted. I browsed through your related hubs and you've got a lot of tough competition out there on the hubpages when it comes to Dr Suess.
Okay, but we are still waiting on the reviews from the nurses. However here's another fact, in the book "The cat in the hat" Dr. Suess only used 220 different words in the entire book.
Okay Christoph if you say so. Back to the good Dr. Suess. Your list of 5 interesting facts about Dr. Suess at the begining of this hub is quite impressive. I didn't know a lot of those things nor do a lot of other folks. So I copied your facts and they are now being read over by some of the brightest minds at UNC Chapel Hill. I hope your facts are correct, because if not, we will certainly be told. Have a Happy Possum Day !!!!
Only the great Dr. Suess could of come up with some of the most memorable names ever in story book history. Like Sylvester McMonkey McBean who was the fix it up chappie for the Sneeches, and boy did he make some money. And you've never heard that name before or since. Speaking of names have you ever heard of my faithful Possum fan & follower - Beth 100 ?
Again in the Dr. Suess book "Green eggs and ham" I don't know anyone who would, and I certainly wouldn't, eat green eggs and ham or any other meal for that matter with a goat. So even though Sam I Am offered this option to the old cat, I don't blame him for turning it down. And hey Christoph what happened to that cowboy in your profile picture ?
So this is where all the cows hang out, Cool! Today I priced that pair of dress shoes that the cat in the hat used to wipe up his mess with at shoe mart, and you can pick up a pair for just $59. I guess inflation hasn't hit dr Suess that bad after all.
Well thanks Christoph, and I'd like to point out some things that the good Doctor pulled off in "Green eggs & ham" with his poetry. Most cars when diving into a tree would of crashed. However Dr. Suess's ever changing car, not only drove up the tree, but it also sat on top of the tree before driving & landing safely onto the speeding locomotive on the tracks below. Also when the train with the car on top of it, drove off the broken railroad tracks and hit the boat in the water, there was no explosion and nobody got hurt or drowned. Pretty amazing and only Dr. Suess could of done that so well.
Thanks, however I'd probably buy a cheaper pair at walmart, and as I said in my fan mail to you, I'm glad to see this great hub hoppin once again. Dr Suess deserves it.
Yes I believe a ten dollar pair of dress shoes in 1958 would be worth around $154.99 if you bought them today in 2010.
Christoph, also noted in "The cat in the hat", the cat in the hat wasn't really the best kind of house guest either. When he went to eating cake in the tub which started this whole mess anyway. And to top it off he should of never used dad's $10 pair of shoes to clean the pink ink off of the wall. However he did get lucky when he got the shoes cleaned off on the rug. Does anyone realize how much a pair of $10 shoes must of cost in 1958? Very expensive to say the least! And JayDeck I completely agree with you that Dr. Suess is a poetic genius.
Very funny and creative! I too was influenced my Dr. Suess, as a child, and now my 3 year old is enjoying him. Many poets ignore the importance of being silly and sometimes obvious, in favor of being serious and obtuse for the sake of obtuse.
Thanks for the entertaining hub!
-J
Something else small that Dr. Suess missed out on. In his book Green eggs & ham, he used all of the main modes of transportation(trains, boats & automobiles) in an attempt for Sam I Am to talk the old cat into eatting the green eggs and ham except one. He missed out on planes, which there's more than one word that rhymes with it and he could of always had the train with the car ontop of it go off of the broken railroad bridge 1st onto a plane before ending up in the water on top of the boat. You might enjoy eatting Possums, but we know our Dr. Suess very well also.
I also want to point out to all of your readers that in the Dr Suess book "The cat in the hat comes back", that if cat c would have just left the pink stain in cat b's bowl and dumped it into the sink or toliet, instead of blowing it out of the house with a fan into the snow then all the other cats wouldn't of been needed and a lot of work could have been spared. Of coarse this would of meant a much shorter book. Have a nice day and I hope you'll be following me soon as well.
Of coarse Dr. Seuss counts as a poet. Take green eggs & ham for instance - If that old cat would of just eatten the green eggs and (green) ham the first time Sam I am offered it to him, then there would never of been any reason for a book. But Dr.Seuss was smart enough to make it a challege for Sam I am to talk the old cat into eatting those green eggs & ham. Thanks to the good doctor we will always have this wonderful childrens book. However even if I liked green eggs & ham, I'm not so sure I'd eat them in a wooden box with a fox. P.S when are you going to follow me? Have a nice day.
...with these comments-- I don't have the right to say anything..just bow! :)
I wish I'd found this sooner!! Excellent job, Chris :) And, I hope all those poo-poohing in their cappucino's didn't drink them, that's kinda gross....
Sweet dreams, you poet you Chris!
And good soak to you, Randy! Can't promise as to joining any sooner, I started out at 5:30am today, and I fear at my age that's comparable to a high risk sport! Laugh! May the bubbles keep you company!
That sounds like good night. I started a bubble bath 4 hours ago, put it on hold Chris when you came online to play. Which I've enjoyed immensely. Just wish Elena, you joined in sooner. So "please" come again, both of you. I'm off to soak.
That's the thing with time zones! When I get started, everybody else is falling asleep. And when everybody else is getting started, I don't care jack about hubs or comments or anything else anymore! Laugh
Say please and I'm sure we'll find it in our little hearts to be good to you, Randy B :-*
I can float on compliments all night, keep em comin'.
That's what I was thinking, Chris -- but by residence I am definitely a Castillian!
Randy, I'll have to trust you on that one, won't I, you innocent lamb you? :-)
Gotta go for a coffee refill!
Not blessed with dark mediterranean good looks I'm afraid.
What parts of the previous conversation has you shaking your head Elena? We've all been as innocent as lambs. I swear.
Yes it is! I was thinking of birth, and you of residence. Granted, then, I am Castillian by residence. And with Castillians I share the Latin slash Mediterranean looks, dark hair, darkish skin... can't say as I can compete with Randy there, she's sexy as all get out and that without a head shot! Laugh!
We all do, Lita! Laugh .... To tell the truth, I'd rather not know!
Mr Reilly, I'm very well, thank you, except it's morning over here in the land of Spain! :-) I see you've been discussing Castillions and Castillians and what not. Kinda sorry to have to say I'm not from those parts of Spain :-P
Oh! It's toooo easy. But still, I promised & I will never SAY. She deserves to have fun.
Howdo, Chris, everyone -- dropped in to see what all the hubbub was about... let me say, there are some parts to this rambling conversation that have me shaking my head... Laugh!
I know a few ways to unseal lips, Lita. Watch your back now. Or front. Or... never mind!! :-)
I do! But will never tell. Lips sealed!!
Lita, If you really do, don't tell. I'd have to go back to being good then.
I think I know who she is! (I'm good at that), but I won't say!!!
Sixtyorso, Randy is my "alter ego" so the real me has to be conservative... don't think Misty qualifies.
CR strikes again your magnetic charm attracts yet another georgeous Hubber!
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