ENGL 2003: Introduction to Poetry

Before I ever thought I wanted to register for the class, I did not think anything that to do with poetry would catch my attention. Music motivated me to analyze poetry more profoundly. I was caught by people arguing whether or not the lyrics in the music genre of Hip Hop deserved to be called poetic, and whether if Rap’s legendary icon Tupac Amaru Shakur deserved to be called poet. My personal response is that some rappers do actually  fall into the category, and deserve to be called poets. In the book of Western Wind, poets such as Robert Frost mention simple moments, or ordinary events in their work. The poem Dust or Snow (pg. 121) depicts such moments.

The way a crow

shook down on me

The dust of snow

From a hemlock tree

Has given my heart

a change of mood

And saved some part

Of a day I had rued.

This is a moment, that a poet might take into consideration. The poem shows how a little incident that was expirienced between him and the “crow”, gave some life to a lifeless day. Just like Frost wrote, rappers do the same. They mention things that go on around them and within them. Although some of the modern day “rap stars” don’t have the same quality or talent to be considered, Tupac Shakur deserves to be recognized with having poetic skills. I clearly distinguish some of his lyrics to be poetic and to sustain quality that elevates him to another level.  To name a few songs “Keep Your Head Up“, “Only fear of Death“, “Smile” all sustain different themes on what the song is intended for. “Smile” is telling to smile and keep going no matter what happens, “Only Fear of Death” goes into his state of mind, giving his reason to fear dying and being reincarnated (paradox), “Keep Your Head Up” giving reason to cheer up and encourage women. The song “Brendas got a Baby” shows a real life unfortunate event, that very few now care to mention.

It is true that hip hop may have content not suitable for all, yet anything ranging from movies, televised shows or programs, books and so on; contain material that maybe offensive to others. I guess it depends what is the main interest of a person to decide. My opinion if the person has a great quality or set an emotion with their song, with the right expressions can be seen as a poet. Does anybody think rappers should be considered poets?Why? or if Tupac is a poet to be recognized. Can anybody identify poetic terms on the videos posted?

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.

https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/goldpoetrysp2012/2012/03/18/all-around-us/

I chose to do my assignment on the poet Cesar “Atahualpa” Rodriguez. I chose this poet mainly because  saw researching him as a challenge- mainly the fact that every source I found was written in Spanish.

https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/goldpoetrysp2012/2012/02/16/first-responder-symbolism/#comment-239