I am curious what some of you might think about poetry
Do you think a book WITH pictures or WITHOUT would be more likely to be enjoyed by readers ?
And why...



Thanks for your input !

Interesting question, and timely too.

Just last week I was in a discussion with a close friend about this. Our consensus was that for some poems, like haikus, that offer a quick snapshot of a particular subject, a photo or drawing to accompany the haiku would be a very worthwhile thing.

It all depends on the poems, their content, how they are written, and other considerations. In some cases, as in the example above, photos or drawings would be a tremendously good thing, but for other poems, the poems may be better alone on the printed page.

How on that?
G.

For clarification by way of an example or two, I wrote a poem that I posted some time ago named Suzy Falls. It was about a real place, but I did some personification in it too. Still, in such a case, a photo or drawing of that specific waterfall or any waterfall would go very nicely.

However, the last poem I posted entitled "Heaven Offers Nothing More
Divine" is about the difference between tolerance and intolerance (or selfishness). I don't think any photo or drawing would work at all on such a poem.

G.

Thanks i appreciate your input
I have a few poems posted in my profile
And i am a rhyming verse and story teller poet
Hopefully my writings are descriptive that they paint a virtual picture in my readers minds
But still i have to wonder as i want to give the best chance of being read and enjoyed...
Going to check out your writings as well pard !
Hope you have much luck in your writing ambitions as well ...


I welcome your input folks ...


KiK
..#
"/"
Warren Miner

I enjoy both...I feel the enhancement factor of including pictures depends entirely on type and content of poetry...For instance, period pieces and themes that follow story lines can be even more enjoyable with accompanying pictures...I also like to see original artwork combined with some poetry.....Many writers have that duel talent...I suppose if the poetry is weak, pictures could strengthen content too...I must be honest though, for me the best poems are those that create a picture in the readers mind through nothing but the artistry of words....

Hi Leigh !
Thank you for your input
I tend to agree and have been told by some of my friends
That illustrating my poems takes away from the picture
I have a couple books i am looking to publish
And still trying to decide whether to illustrate them
Or just go with a text only edition

I only read magazines with lots of pictures

Hi Man O !


I have been in a few mags in the past
Mostly sailing and poetry related

You know what Warren, I was HOPING you would say that cause I got more! ....A lot of your poems, at least the ones I read, do have the quality of fun and funny stories that deliver uplifting and/or profound messages in a playful, flirty way...Those pieces might work well with pictures, especially sketches....Whatever you decide, best of luck to you!!

Real Poetry does not need pictures. I know a real Poet.

I am a "Real" poet as well
Thank You !



And again i welcome you folks
To view some of my writings in my profile

Many examples of great literature, including great poetry, has been accompanied by art of other types: e.g., music and etchings.

Not trying to be argumentative here, but that term "real poetry" is something I'd like to have defined. Art is a continuingly developing gift of humans. Mixing types of art doesn't present any problem for me, but that's just my opinion. I respect others who may disagree.

Have to agree with you there
And i think maybe she means "Published"
Recognized or something along those lines
I think if you write something others truly can enjoy
Then you can consider yourself a "Real" writer or Poet
There will always be room for improvement
"I am a work in progress"
As are we all

Real poetry is any poetry that satisfies something in the reader, the writer, or both...It does not have to be published to be real...It does not require definition, validation, or approval to be real...Real poetry is written by real poets in the form of their choosing because it is poetry...

Agree with you Leigh
But in all honesty i don't think a lot of what some may call poetry
Is actually poetic
Although i would never be the one to discourage their effort in expressing themselves
lol

Good thing that practice can improve that

So anyway the question is pictures or not ?
What do YOU think and why ?



Thanks everyone for your opinions...

I would say yes. I do love reading but the pics would really take me there. And I think you would be awesome at it I've seen so many of your pics in different forums and there great

I personally think pics would be a pleasant 'add-on' to a book of poems. I also think the author should include pics of self, a 'self portrait' as it were. Additionally, pics of nature lending one to the background of his/her works would be nice. Good idea, KiK2me.

tommy boy

===

For me it depends o the poem. Although I usually prefer with out pictures, and let my imagination paint a picture for me. Their are times a picture inspires my poems, so I usually post the pic with it.

with..please...because I am a visual creature.