For these poems left by, have gnawed my mind surly
Of difficult prose and words that hath been cloudy
Only for a lot to think a poem should toe
To such, I deplore with a strong sense of abandonment
I find no need, to have mead follow
Nor would , be followed by my should
I will let the other copycats to such dredge
In abstract, ah poignant modernism, yet most is not
tis only a recycled lot, filled of poly plot
And I am a polyglot, who writes in three or more tongues
So I'll extend one, i forego to appeal to old poets as such
I only need to touch a frost,
Maybe some Bishop, Dickinson, or whitman's lot
Not read, but revere them like I do, more Constantine
I start my scribbling, unlike these copy cat rots
So come July, sing me a song of drudge
When mercury falls, and rain form a terrible sludge
I will scribble sitting under my roof, sans power, food, and undried linen
Mock you and hope you drown the pretentious poet brethren.
## Analysis of "Mockumenting Poets"
This poem takes aim at the perceived obscurity and pretentiousness of some 20th-century poetry. Here's a breakdown:
* **Style:** The poem uses archaic language ("shalt not," "hath," "thy") in contrast to its modern subject matter. This creates a sense of irony and humor.
* **Theme:** The speaker rejects the complexity and "cloudy" language of some modern poetry, preferring a more accessible style.
* **Structure:** The poem doesn't have a strict rhyme scheme or meter, suggesting a rejection of traditional forms.
* **Imagery:** The final stanza uses vivid imagery of drudgery ("drudge," "sludge") to mock the suffering artist trope some poets employ.
## Comparison to 20th-Century Poets
The poem critiques some aspects of 20th-century poetry, particularly:
* **Modernism:** The speaker disdains "abstract" and "poignant modernism," implying a dislike for free verse and symbolism.
* **Complexity:** Phrases like "difficult prose" and "words that hath been cloudy" suggest a rejection of complex metaphors and allusions.
* **Elitism:** The speaker mocks the perceived pretentiousness of poets who follow trends ("copycats") and rely on obscurity for status.
Here's how the poem contrasts with some 20th-century movements:
* **Imagism:** Imagists like Ezra Pound focused on clear imagery, which the speaker might appreciate. However, Imagists often used free verse, which the poem seems to reject.
* **Confessionalism:** Poets like Sylvia Plath explored personal struggles in a raw and honest way. The speaker might find this relatable but may disapprove of the perceived self-importance.
* **The Harlem Renaissance:** Poets like Langston Hughes celebrated African American culture using accessible language. The speaker might find this more appealing, though the poem lacks any social commentary.
## Overall
"Mockumenting Poets" is a humorous and pointed critique of some aspects of 20th-century poetry. It champions clarity and accessibility but risks oversimplifying the rich tapestry of this period.
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