https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/goldpoetrysp2012/2012/02/28/double-vision-anit-poetry/
Double Vision: Anti-Poetry
Anti-poetry is an art movement that attempts to break away from the normal conventions of poetry. When talking about poetry one usually thinks of a work of writing that’s short, sweet, romantic, etc. Anti-poetry’s are far from that. Anti-Poetry is a way poet’s attempt to differentiate what is to be known as “normal” poetry. Some anti-poetry poems state the reality that surrounds us every day.
Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130 is a perfect example of anti-poetry. The first quatrain states,
“My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun; Coral is far more red than her lips’ red; If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun; If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.”
The poet does think his mistress has bright eyes, her lips are not like coral, and her hair is as ugly as wires. Sonnet 130 is your typical anti-poem. Instead of complementing his mistress like any other man would compliment a girl he loves, Shakespeare uses the ”unattractive” features of his mistress. Letting her flaws be known in this sonnet but stating the love he has her. Poetry is usually used to lure in someone into liking you not the opposite.
