Posted by Zo on March 17, 2002, at 3:03:15
In reply to For Zo, posted by trouble on March 16, 2002, at 20:46:03
Line breaks are a mystery to me, but they are clearly crucial choices. I don't doubt you perform the poem well! As I copied Sharon Olds for you, I was trying to feel her line breaks, and looking at all her commas. I once lived with a poet--all I can tell you is that line breaks practically are the poem. They direct the reader where to pause, when to take a breath, the punctuation is like cue cards. She gives us very few periods, after her really socko lines. Does this help? It shouldn't be a mystery to you, that I can sense. Play with the poem on paper, see what looks/feels good. That's what my lover used to do.
poster:Zo
thread:19950
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020314/msgs/19998.html