SH Comments
Reged: Feb 16 2004
Posts: 1056
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This thread is for comments about Diana, by Andy Miller.
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Philosopherpoet
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eing a poet myself one of the things I am most saddened by is when poems are missing an explanation. I know the "art needs not explanation" theory runs rampant among intellectuals today. But visual art is one thing, while poetry the, the art of the written word, generally exists for more than simply just being pretty. I assume this poem has a meaning, however it's far to unclear to me. I invite the author to explain a few things to improve my understanding. I'm in no means saying that this is a bad poem, but for me the purpose is lost.
Perhaps I missed reading some classic work in my literature classes, but is Diana a reference to a real person or something else? If it is a real person then a little comment should be added "this is about my mother, or estranged girlfriend, or even some imaginary girl. If Diana is a classical reference only then can the author assume that the reader will know who the heck he is referring too. Princess Diana? The DIANA Project? Diana the Valkyre?
Is this poem a bash on organized religion? Is it promoting protection for the environment? What is being hunted? Who is the poem addressing, a nun? What is this cup of truth, and this grand solution? Are all these questions raised and not answered simply for poetic effect? Effect obtained: Confused and Frustrated.
~*~ ~*~
And now I digress into generalities about much if the poetry on this site.
It's not the fact that I don't "get" a poem that bothers me.
I don't "get" Jabberwocky, but I still love it.
It's that fact that the a large portion of the people who have posted in this forum to various poems in the past are also lost and apparently not "in" on the deeper meaning of the poems. I realize that it's the artist/poets right not to explain themselves or their work, however I think this does the world at large a great disservice.
When writing for oneself, hidden meanings, vague allusions, and the "I know what I mean" mentality is just fine. However when you publish a poem for public viewing you better be darn sure that your poem will transfer your message to the audience. If your poem has no message then it should not be published in the first place. That last statement may be a bit harsh. Nonsense poetry has it's place, but nonsense poetry parading as deeply insightful literature should be exposed for what it is. This post is not meant as an insult, I'm just trying to improve the quality of this site and promote thoughtful discussion.
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Leah Bobet
New user
Reged: Mar 31 2004
Posts: 7
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As a differing opinion, I actually quite liked this. I found it techincally well-executed on every level and was able to draw several different readings out of it initially (although there's one that's definitely stronger than the others). The message of the poem was definitely transferred well to me, and I do not at all find any evidence that Mr. Miller was writing for himself, or writing (as it was so diplomatically termed) "nonsense". However, there was a portion that was not explained, and it's entirely possible that the message I walked away with would be different than another reader's, as they hold a different worldview. That's something I also appreciate: when some aspects are left to the reader to decide. To me, that's a sign of good poetry.
Philosopherpoet said:
"If Diana is a classical reference only then can the author assume that the reader will know who the heck he is referring too."
The name Diana is, in fact, a classical reference: it is the Roman name for Artemis. I must agree that you missed a great deal of reading in the aforementioned literature classes, as this reference is so pervasive in both modern society and English-language literary tradition it's often considered common knowledge. I hope this information (and possibly more, which you can obtain with a handy trip to Google) will aid in giving the poem another reading.
As for the general state of poetry on Strange Horizons, I hope that both the editors and contributors keep up the great work. In my not always humble opinion, literary work is supposed to make us think to a certain degree. And when things are explained to the nth degree, I have not had the opportunity to think. Of course, that's a matter of taste in poetry, but I'd like to thank everyone involved -- the editorial staff and Andy Miller -- for a little intellectual stimulation this week. :)
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Susan Marie Groppi
Editor-in-Chief, Fiction Editor
Reged: Jun 04 2003
Posts: 52
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If it's possible, I'd like to step out of my SH staff role for a minute and respond to this just as a reader. Part of what I've always loved about poetry is that it can be such a meaning-rich form, with many different layers and angles and possible interpretations. For the last few years I've been delighted and impressed with what the poetry editors here are coming up with--the poems they select for publication are very often ones that look simple but are very dense and full and rich.
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Philosopherpoet
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My ignorance rears it's ugly head. I apologize if I gave the impression that the poem was worthless. I never meant to Attack the poem or the site. I realize now that I may have exaggerated my wording a bit much. I may have also given way to the impulse of ranting after building up too much anger against that which bewilders me. I still fail to see the meaning of the poem, perhaps I'm having an off week or my job has worn off on me and the Corporation of Stupidity has successfully brainwashed my ability to interpret poetry. This may be the case. If so would somebody who derives a meaning or theme from the poem please bless the rest of us ignorant savages with their interpretation? I would be greatly enlightened. Seriously I'm at a total loss with this poem. Please somebody write a Diana for Dummies post. I admit my brash mistakes of the past but still search for the meaning. My lack of understanding may also come from the fact that I currently work a 60 hour week and come home at night.. make that early morning and attempt to culture myself while sleep beckons me to obey her call. I like to think I'm not a total imbecile when awake, and I really do wish to understand. Maybe I will read more of this Diana character when I venture back to college next year after I have saved up my tuition money. But until next August I'm stuck at my stupid job with people who's idea of reading is the comic strips and who think a simulating weekend involves heavy drinking. The gods punish me...
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Jamie
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As someone who is somewhat versed in both Greek and Roman mythology, I did get the references to Diana, the moon (her being a moon goddess), her brother and arrows (twin brother Apollo known for having bow & arrows). Perhaps the nun’s habit is a reference to her being a virgin goddess?
On the whole I thought this was an ok poem. At least it seems that the author attempted to create a poem with some thought involved and not just chopped up prose. It was in my opinion, better than most of the other poems here. But this poem does leave the reader with many unanswered issues. I do wish that people here on this forum where more open to discussing these poems. Perhaps, by pointing out and discussing what some of the reference meant (even if its just their opinion).
These were some of the questions and issues I had with this poem:
What was her brother’s childish faith? What are the words that are poisoned? It’s odd that the poet would choose a roman god acclaimed for phrases and ideals like “know thyself” and moderation in all things.
“Please, pull the shades.” refers to what? “path of progress. . .” is what? Given that Diana is viewed as a 'feminist' and progressive goddess compared to the other gods, I found it odd that the author would choose Diana for this poem.
What is the solution? Just what was the problem in the first place?
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Andy Miller
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Thanks for the comments on "Diana"! The question that really haunts me, after writing and reading "Diana," is: how would Diana respond?
Happy days,
Andy Miller
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Anonymous
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Perhaps the author was afraid of putting words in Diana's mouth; he wanted to let the reader make up his or her mind -- indeed, how would Diana respond? I see irony in this poem. Can Diana simultaneously reject her childish faith _and_ save the virgin forest from the ravages of this so-called "progress"? Personally, I think the contradiction or paradox is imaginary; the worst crimes against humanity -- or against nature -- have been committed, and excused by, faith... in god or country.
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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What the hell? Me
Nonsense poetry? Poetry is not nonsense........
anyone can write poetry. Here is an example.....
I am alone....
I crave love...
only to have not...
there is someone....
but only God knows who....
I am only a puppet....
lost in humanity....
Me
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Anonymous
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I like what you wrote and it doesn't matter if anyone "gets it" or not. As long as the person you wrote it for understands, than that is all that matters. 122
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