Do people read poetry anymore?

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   Victoria Stephensposted 13 years ago

   Hello,
   
   I have quite a lot of poems that I am considering putting on here.  Any ideas what the traffic is like for poetry, does anyone read it anymore?
   
   It doesn't seem as popular as it use to be.
   
   Thanks.xxx

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      The Suburban Poetposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Yes... people read it. They read it more here than on say Facebook. People here are writers and are interested in reading deep and moving pieces. Facebook seemed to be nothing but happy talk.

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         Victoria Stephensposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Yeah I know what you mean, I'm not a huge fan of facebook myself.  Do the poems receive many readers from outside of hubpages?

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            The Suburban Poetposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            I'm not an expert here but according to "traffic sources" in the edit pages section 98% of my views come from hubpages....

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               Victoria Stephensposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               It's lovely to know that hubbers are reading them,  Thank you for your help.xxx

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                  The Suburban Poetposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  Anytime....

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                  china manposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  I put up poems as alternate poet, most of my traffic now comes from outside hubpages - if you want high traffic then you  would have to do some serious work backlinking and forcing in a few keywords for the searches etc.

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                     Victoria Stephensposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                     Alternate poems sounds like a good idea.  I will give it ago and see what happens. Thank you.x

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         qwarkposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         I don't know if they do Poet.
         I've written poetry here on the hubs and very few read them.I have written a 4 chapter rhyming poem, which I reworked, and reposted  http://hubpages.com/hub/qwark93,
         I enjoy writing rhyming poetry but my feeling is that I do it just for my own gratification 'cause few read them.
         I'd like to think you are right, but it seems to me poetry is on the downslide for most.
         For instance, poetry in prose form doesn't interest me...so I don't read it.
         Qwark

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            The Suburban Poetposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            You may be right qwark. I have some friends who are "impressed" with what I write but they say it's so deep and I make their brain hurt at times. People are busy and need to be in the mood to read poetry. I think if you are too obscure or too sad that you can lose people. But that's on them. You need to be who you are and not worry about an audience that way it flows naturally.
            
            I have a friend who reads everything I write but asks "why are you doing it? Are you trying to be famous?" It's an interesting question...

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               Victoria Stephensposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               I've always found writing my poems has been like a way of release for me.  Instead of bottling things up inside, I write it all down, then at night when it's time to go to sleep, nothing it playing on my mind anymore.
               
               I have no interest in fame but it seems a shame they currently go un-read.  I often wonder weather anyone else could get something out of them, maybe some insiration etc.x

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                  The Suburban Poetposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  I'm sure they can get inspiration but at times poets lament things that are out of our control and it's hard for people to sit and dwell on it like we do. I know another friend who is very goal and task oriented. She thinks I am a dreamer. It's not that I'm lazy because I have a very demanding job (I'm an accountant in a large corporation) yet I spend my off hours thinking about life. It's important to me and I guess in the end it's just how I tick.

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                     Victoria Stephensposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                     Without dreams there is no hope, no goals and no drive left in your soul.
                     
                     You keep on dreaming, dreamers have plans and a reason to live and feel alive :-) xxx

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                        The Suburban Poetposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                        I will... I've become that type of person and there is no turning back....
                        
                        !!!

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               qwarkposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               Yes, my poetry is very deep and thought provoking. Maybe too much so. The few comments I get are wonderful and complimentary I write rhyming poetry because it's an exercise in mental acuity. It's a challenge.
               I have a massive writing vocabulary, but I still use a rhyming dictionary. It's sits "at ready" when I feel stumped.
               Writing rhyming poetry, for me, is difficult but I can spend hours sitting, thinking and creating.
               I enjoy the challenge.
               Good luck to you in your writing.
               Qwark

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            Victoria Stephensposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Poetry certainly does seem on the down at the moment, I don't think they teach it in schools anymore as much, not like they use to.x

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               Victoria Stephensposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               sorry, this one was ment for qwark.x

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                  qwarkposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  Victoria:
                  I have 2 grandkids (9 and 12). They are not being introduced to poetry at school.
                  Poetry seems to be a dying form of communication.
                  I love GOOD rhyming poetry. The prose form? I don't read it.
                  I wish ya luck.
                  Write a nice long one and test the management.
                  Qwark

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                     Victoria Stephensposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                     I will, Thanks Qwark.x

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      dutchman1951posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I do read it, and subscribe to periodicals specalising in it. I enjoy it and write as an amature. enjoy it a lot.

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         Victoria Stephensposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         That's great you read it.  I'm getting the impression on hubpages that most peoples impressions are, if you enjoy writing it then go for it and put your words out there.x

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      surlyoldcatposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I must say, yes peotry is still read by many. My youngest son wrote some poetry a few years back and became a published poet. He's not pursued it since then. but I think he should.
      
      Also, lately this gentleman has been writing some pretty gut wrenching poetry. [url=http://hubpages.com/profile/Stan+Fletcher

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         Victoria Stephensposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Knowing that you can do something good enough to be published is often enough to satisfy the soul.x

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      littlevisitorsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, I was wondering the same thing i love poetry its a dying art I guess but I have found a few places to post it I'm a published poetry writer and i joined a few but how about starting a group here on hubpages ?

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      Lybrahposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Poetry is alive in the form of rap music.

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         janesixposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         Poetry is poetry and rap is bad music.

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   Tirzah Laughsposted 13 years ago

   Poetry still exists in the modern world. Much of it has moved to Spoken Word which is an off shoot of Slam Poetry.
   
   But written poetry is still being turned out as well.
   
   Check out the live poetry shows on BlogTalkRadio.  Some shows are wonderful, others suck but it's an open mic night for poets.
   
   There are still poetry chap book contests, poetry magazines and poetry workshops.
   
   So people still read it.   
   Schools never did a good job of teaching poetry anyway since they are limited to the least 'offensive' poems.   
   
   They won't be reading Plath's Daddy or Parker's Resume.   
   
   Poetry usually starts in the kids that love lyrics and music or words.   They search on their own.  Online poetry thrives.
   
   Tirz

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      Victoria Stephensposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I studied music a few years ago and lyric writing but have never really put the two together, poems and lyric.  I guess I am a lover of the way words can be put together and used.x

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   miss_jkimposted 13 years ago

   Your poetry may not get a lot of reading from outside of Hub Pages, however, it is a great place to express yourself and get some peer-reviews. As I have always been told, "Writers write and should write something every day." Some even say no less than two hours a day.
   
   So, if it's only to hone your skills, or express yourself in some way . . . write and publish your poetry here. Who knows, you may actually get a terrific idea to write an article that will attract more traffic from a variety of places!

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      Victoria Stephensposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I like that little rhyme, I would love to have two hours spare to write everyday, I am getting there tho.  Some days no time at all, other days I can easy spend 4 hours writting.  I get so carried away with it once I get started.  Your right, it could well spark off some ideas for some creative hubs.  I am often inspired by other peoples poems.xxx

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   epigrammanposted 13 years ago

   no of course not - but I read yours!!!!!!

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      Victoria Stephensposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I haven't got any on here yet but if you mean you will read mine, then thats great, welcome aboard! :-) xxx

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      Freya Cesareposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Epi, it's been so long you never visited my hub!

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   FloBeposted 13 years ago

   There are still lots of people who read and write poetry. It seems like a lot of it is free form now, but all types have its appeal.

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      Victoria Stephensposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I like the free form stuff, and the stuff that is easy to read.  I find it hard work if I have to spend ages trying to work out the meaning of each piece. 
      
      I like the fact that more people are willing to have a go at it, than keeping their poems hidden under a pillow somewhere never to be seen by anyone.x

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         FloBeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         I've written poetry for myself or those I love, but never shared it with the "public." Seeing more poetry in hubpages is encouraging me to take a risk and I may submit one soon!

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   Jewelsposted 13 years ago

   Hubpages was the first place I published my poetry in a public arena.  There are quite a few poets here and the feedback is encouraging and supporting.  Considering poetry is often personal, I am greatful to the fanbase I hooked up with, especially in the early days of Hubpages as their feedback was fantastic.

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      Victoria Stephensposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      It certainly is very personal, although I am considering put some of my poems on here, I think I will still have a few that I will hold back for that reason.  It's lovely to hear so much encouragement though.  I guess a poet appreciates a poem and feedback more from another poet.x

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   EYEAM4ANARCHYposted 13 years ago

   Only the smart people.

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      Victoria Stephensposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Agreed!!!  :-) xxx

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   Petra Vlahposted 13 years ago

   Poetry has always been the choice of few people, while having nothing to do with being smart (it is not quantum physics, for God's sake!)
   Poetry addresses the emotional side of people, their capacity to recognize and appreciate beauty. It is a question of sensibility and it is, most of the time, an aquired taste

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   Ginger Meowposted 13 years ago

   Publish your poems and I'll read them

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      Petra Vlahposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      If the invitation is addressed to me, than let me say this;
      I have 5 books of poetry that have been published betwwen 1997-2003, about 20 of my poems are part of 4  different Anthologies of contemporary poets and "Eye on Life" Magazine just published 4 of my poems yestarday.
      P.S. just in case you wonder, NONE of my books or poems have been selh-published

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         Ginger Meowposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Wow, that is inspiring Petra. If you don't mind me asking have you sold many of your 5 published books? I was considering self publishing, but don't think I would sell many books.
         
         My invitation was directed to Victoria to publish here on Hubpages but I am glad you answered

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            Petra Vlahposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Hi Ginger,
            Poetry does not sell much. Whatever money I made I gave away to charity and took a deduction from taxes. Thank God I do not have to relay on writing for a living, but it is a passion and I am doing it for fun. I have a hub about how I managed to get published a few times over (not only poetry - but that was the biginning). There are a few links there as well that could be of interest - one in particular about what it takes to be a great writer

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    Jonathan Jancoposted 13 years ago

    Poetry is one of my main passions. My poems on HP get a few hits. My hubs on love and relationships, however, get major traffic, even though in those hubs I'm pretty much talking off the top of my head. So, I guess I'm saying that poetry is not read as much as it used to be.

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    Jaggedfrostposted 13 years ago

    Find a muse
    or a nasty teacher
    who points out
    what should have been known
    but couldn't be allowed for pride
    perhaps you will find
    as others have found
    that if you alter when alteration is required
    you will indeed be read.

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    bojanglesk8posted 13 years ago

    Sad to say my poem hubs get virtually zero traffic.

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    Jaggedfrostposted 13 years ago

    Bo, there probably is a reason for that that is solvable.

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    Jaggedfrostposted 13 years ago

    I have found that it helps to have written and drawn an audience through other works that are easier to decipher
    but if they too are written out of the substance of your soul
    will give your poetry a Rosetta Stone that may be requisite
    or of aide to those who may venture
    but not with any level of skill in reading
    as you may have had skill in writing.

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    epigrammanposted 13 years ago

    no, only mine.

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    Joy56posted 13 years ago

    I read poetry all the time...... all the time i love it.......  I don't always understand it, but i always read it, it is so inspirational.

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       Petra Vlahposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Most people are overly concerned with understanding poetry; there is nothing to understand, as poetry is not suppose to teach you anything – just like all other forms of art.
       The only thing poetry is suppose to do is to emotionally engage you, to make you feel emotions you did not even know you were capable of experimenting. If a poem does that, than it accomplished what was supposed to do. Turn off your mind and let your soul take over

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          Joy56posted 13 years agoin reply to this

          good advice.

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    Rajab Nsubugaposted 13 years ago

    Try asking Greek one.

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    Jaggedfrostposted 13 years ago

    Petra, I find your comment interesting and perhaps telling.  Perhaps we who write don't intend to do so clearly for it is a piece of our soul that often ends up on page but what is the point of writing if not to communicate?  How can emotion be truly engaged if the mind is still saying WTF?  Perhaps I am too masculine to get this point but I, in all things, seek additional enlightenment when I can find someone willing to take the time.
    I often find that when one uses absolutes such as 'only' 'every' 'all' and such I always find myself in the wrong but maybe I am wrong there too.  What do you think?

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    Sab Ohposted 13 years ago

    Who cares if someone reads it? Write it anyway!

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       Joy56posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       are you a poet Sab!

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          Sab Ohposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          I'm barely a human.

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             Joy56posted 13 years agoin reply to this

             that is very funny.

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    couturepopcafeposted 13 years ago

    I have a theory.  Poetry is for poets, lovers, and literary historians.  Poets write, lovers live, and historians analyze.  All in the name of trying to find meaning in the expressions of the heart.

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    Steele Fieldsposted 13 years ago

    Personally, my poetry on Hubpages does get read (somewhat) because, aside  from a few pictures, it's the only thing I post.  It does not get as much traffic as I'd like, but then you have to read the other poets' offerings here in order to establish a readership of your own.  After all, it's only fair.  Unfortunately, I don't always have enough time to truly dedicate myself to this endeavor, but I do try to read other people's poetry whenever I get the chance.
    Bottom line:  the poets of this world probably read more poetry than the non-poets do.

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    Jaggedfrostposted 13 years ago

    lol With all due respect Couture, I have never written a single line I haven't lived, I just find documenting my thoughts on such matters in my forms therapeutic as I have found few therapists willing to touch what ails me.
    
    Your probably right Steele, but even so,
    every time thinker is born
    they somehow find words to speak
    that paragraphs always seem the wrong format to express. 
    They hate to be laughed at in their infantile attempts
    so read what has been done
    to find inspiration and eventually kick all of their fellows to the dogs
    forming a method that seems them best.

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    ahorsebackposted 10 years ago

    Victoria , posting poetry here  on Hubpages is not good for your health ! Or your score , or your income .lol  every time I post a new poem , my score drops just a little bitty more !  seriously / if you consider posting you might start a new or another hub profile separate from  your "moneymakers "..That would be my advice . Poetry is only good for YOUR soul ! Not hubpages soul .lol..

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    lexx13posted 10 years ago

    Hey Victoria! YES! people do read poetry. However, don't expect to make a living out of it. The traffic is not that bad but you should do it as a passion.Have fun hubbing :-) <fellow poet>

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    jhamannposted 10 years ago

    YES!  We are out there and we love it, if you post your poetry I will read it.  There is a great small poetry community here on Hubpages that loves to read and write poetry.  It is funny that people are so indifferent to poetry, yet the readers and writers are there and striving.  Welcome and share.  Jamie

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    ahorsebackposted 10 years ago

    You've got that right , rap is NOT poetry,

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    R.S. Hutchinsonposted 10 years ago

    Poetry puts life into words and as long as there is life there will be poetry.
    You can quote me on that!

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    bearz12posted 9 years ago

    Poetry isn't about being popular...it is about pouring an idea, feeling, emotion, or topic onto paper.  Poetry should be written for one's self, not the masses.

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