Comments on: free verse

by: Cimone Phillips

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:34:05 +0000

The Psalms are all so unique, but the 121st Psalm helps bring a different perspective to life. We all as humans constantly search for the thing that will make us whole or complete. I found Hebrew research that shows the form of this work is much greater than we will ever know. Right now we are studying Set Theory in my music theory class, and this is the idea that everything can be divided and given numerical value in music. The numerical analysis of this Psalm was done by Casper J. Labuschagne, and he found the pattern on which this work was written. This psalm is a classic example of a particularly regular numerical composition. On all levels, it divides into two exactly equal parts (vs. 1-4 and 5-8): 1 + 1 cantos, 2 + 2 strophes, 4 + 4 verselines, 8 + 8 cola and 27 + 27 words. It is perfectly symmetrical, and makes the reader feel the comfort and closure of the word. The line- “all of my help cometh from the lord” is one that I really struggle to accept. I am so co-dependent on those around me in my life that I often forget who really cares for me. Jesus my lord and savior has been there for me through everything that I have had to endure and still I worry myself with the pitiful mind games of those around me. Material things have never made me happy since I grew up with practically nothing…only the love of those who love me back mattered. I regret to say that most of my friends are no longer going to be a focus in my life. I can tell where I am not wanted. But I know that wherever I end up, my help will still cometh from the lord.

Sorry this entry became so random, but here is a link to the research paper that was written on this psalm. I really enjoyed reading it. http://theol.eldoc.ub.rug.nl/FILES/root/Labuschagne/NumericalFeaturesoft/Book5/psalm121/ps121b.pdf

by: Travis

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 20:30:06 +0000

Free verse is my favorite type of form within the Poetry context. I love how this free verse style goes into the type of jazz and blues style that Langston Hughes portrays in his poems. The free verse style direcly correlates to that of jazz music. Being a saxophone player, this type of “free verse” no set style is exactly what jazz is. No matter how different you play an individual jazz song, among artist it usually always sounds good. Sheet music is often times not used within jazz. Typically jazz is called improv or “make it up as you go” I love this line in this in Hughes poem.
He played that sad raggy tune like a musical fool.
Sweet Blues!
Coming from a black man’s soul.
O Blues!
This just sounds like a song that a person could be singing and playing a guitar to. The tone is very soft and is easily pictured by this poem.

by: Eddie Poff

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:27:56 +0000

Mother to Son illustrates the pain and yet resiliency of the black community. Langston Hughes understood both of those ideas and did a fantastic job of illustrating them. Last night I saw several of the same commercial for some program that CNN is airing in June called “Black in America”. The commercial was very insistent that watching this program would somehow help viewers to understand the African-American experience…how pretentious is that? Somehow, watching television is going to help non-black Americans to understand concepts like inequality, prejudice, and the manner in which all systems in this country (criminal justice system, education, social security, jobs, economics, etc.) represent two different countries. No real understanding can come of a television show, but listening to the words of a black man who grew up in a very bad time period for his people might give the reader just a glimpse into his world. Mother to Son puts the black experience in the context of a staircase. Although some people might proceed through life with everything they need handed to them (the crystal stair), this mother had to fight in her ascension just to stay alive. It is hard to understand how she can still conclude with such optimism - what is her motivation? Perhaps she just has that much willpower to continue and place all of her hope in the best of humankind, even though most of what she lived through represented the worst of people. In my opinion, this outlook is truly uncanny.

by: Marty Zimmerman

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 19:12:46 +0000

I suppose the poetry that I write, which happens every now and then, takes its shape according to the guidelines of free verse. Parini defines free verse as “poetry that has no set meters or rhymes.” I enjoy reading the Psalms, but never gave any real thought about their structure, other then for my Old Testament course. The psalm that was presented in class for this particular week was Psalm 121, “A Song of Degrees.” The message it conveys is one of hope, realizing that God is mighty and has unmatched ability. According to line 5, “The Lord is thy keeper,” and He will watch over me all of the days of my life, “for evermore.” Line 7 states that “The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.” The Lord will keep me from the enemy, and when evil is allowed to tempt me, to draw close to me, God will provide for me and I will fall upon His strength, His everlasting strength. I have given my life to the Lord, thereby joining with Him in a new covenant. This covenant is unbelievable because even though I am not able to keep it, because of sinful nature, his grace is more than enough, and it is by grace that I am saved and a recipient of eternal life. The psalm begins with one person, the use of “I” and “mine,” but it moves to discuss Israel and moves into a second person’s point of view, a group of people are included. This effect was pointed out in the class discussion, and proves true. The phrase “the Lord” is used repetitively, which creates a certain image within the mind of the reader. This psalm and many other psalms contain an element of humanity, a personal component within them which enables readers to make connections and agree with the emotions and senses expressed by the psalmist and/or speaker. Psalm 121 renews the sense that God is bigger than the situation and that He is watching over and walking with each one of us according to where we are and how much we understand.

by: Emily Pratt

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 05:48:51 +0000

I’m commenting on Professor Prescott’s chapel on Thursday about Christian Art. He touched on a lot of good issues as in defining what Christian Art really is and isn’t, and most importantly what its purpose should and could be. The best definition he gave in my opinion was that Christian Art is art that expresses faith. That expression could be explicit or implicit. It doesn’t matter. But the other side of that coin is the fact that some works of art are unintentionally Christian, meaning that they inspire and evoke spiritual feelings without the artist intending that reaction. People are always looking for an experience when viewing art, and perhaps (because we are both physical and spiritual beings) that will always be somewhat spiritual. Out of everything Professor Prescott said that evening, I liked when he stated that before art “does” anything for the audience, it possesses a dignity in just being art. Perhaps works of art are less about the artist’s intentions and more about the fact that they exist, and that someone put enough thought and effort into them to make them exist.

by: Ben Beachy

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 04:59:19 +0000

Of the three poems we discussed in class, my favorite was definitely Psalm 121. I should admit to being a bit biased because the entire book of Psalms is one of my favorites. However, this Psalm is still special to me in its own sense just as every other Psalm presents itself through its own unique personality. Beyond the simple free verse style of this psalm, this psalm attracts me through the meaning with in it and deep complexities of this poem. A reader of this poem does not even have the option to take this at face value, but is forced to dive into the deeper messages describing our Lord; our Maker of heaven and earth. In the first four lines, the writer of Psalm 121 gives a testimony of his own experience as he describes where he finds his help and support come from. The author then reassures that this same help can be given to you along with the security and safety found in the Lord throughout the following 12 lines. Another characteristic that I really appreciate within this poem that helps to give me a better sense of the immensity of God is through the many extremes compared in this poem. For example, heaven and earth, sun and moon, day and night, coming and going, now and forevermore. These awesome illustrations help to describe the true significance and hugeness of our God! Psalm 121 is often read prior to journeys as a prayer for safety, but I offer this psalm up as a praise of thanksgiving and awe!

by: Marah Drooger

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 02:34:54 +0000

I believe that the poem by Langson Hughes called “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” is a beautiful poem filled with some much emotion and meaning. I love the beautiful words that speak to the history of African American history, so deep and rich. The use of the “I” is very interesting, despite the fact that Hughes was not present at all of those important milestones in African American history, it shows the relationship and interconnection between different generations. The imagery created with the “human blood in human veins” emphasizes once again the importance of family within the African American race. I love the bold encouragement that is given even though not stated directly. I sense the unspoken empowerment that occurs after reading this poem. Even I am encouraged with everyday trials in my life, knowing that some before me have gone through similar or worse trials. Rivers are powerful and strong, and the strength of African Americans will prevail from Africa to America. I also want to note the comparison between the muddy and golden waters of the Mississippi. Just like the waters became clear, the slave became free with the help of Abraham Lincoln. I love the power of this poem to reach through generations, race, and ethnicity.

by: Tim Worrell

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 02:12:43 +0000

I’ve always enjoyed the experience of reading, and singing, the psalms. At times though I think that I’ve failed to recognize their true poetic nature. Psalm 121 is a triumphant pasage that reminds me alot of Pslam 46. It’s all about God upholding and assisting his people, definitely somethign good to read when you’re going through a rough time. It’s quite full of hope and encouragement. I really apprecaite the language used in the King James Version (KJV). I actually use a KJV bible and even though people sometimes joke with me about it I don’t plan on changing. I just find the language better over all, and also slightly more accurate to the orginal texts. I really like verse 7 which says “The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.” If God is preserving our soul, the very essence of our being, how much less shall he preserve our earthly affairs?

by: Stacey Claridge

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 22:19:12 +0000

My favorite poem that we talked about in class was The Negro Speaks of Rivers. I’m not sure exactly why it’s my favorite, but I just love listening to it get read. I love the emotions that this poem invokes in me. This poem was able to tell the journey of African Americans and the unity they all have throughout time and throughout the world. It’s just so amazing to think about this symbolism in this poem. African Americans are connected throughout the world and they have traveled to so many different continents. I love that this poem is free verse. I don’t think the impact would have been the same if there was more structure. It’s so much like the rivers that flow throughout the world. They aren’t structured, and they are able to freely flow.

by: Bryant Vance

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 21:33:01 +0000

Free verse to me is a bit confusing. I do like the idea behind the concept as a whole but it is a bit “abstract” for lack of a better word. I guess the idea of free verse to me is like presenting anything you can come up with (while your on stage) and calling it theatre, banging on a piano and calling it music, or running 10 yards and calling yourself an athlete. While I feel that it is a way that a poet, or people in general, can present themselves in the realm of poetry, it feels somewhat elementary to me. Anyone can be a poet with free verse, if they have the ability to express through words. Now don’t get me wrong, I am attracted to this tool and ability that the method gives to all people, to be able to enjoy and become a part of the world of poetry, but I lose some of the respect for the poet compared to how I would view him/her if it were written in a specific form or style.
This fits perfectly into the way I took in the two poems that were read and discussed in class. I took a lot from them mentally and from the uneducated view point of learning someone’s story, but the “art” or “craft” – to me- was lost by putting it in free verse. NOW, take the same poems, same ideas with the same POWER…place it into a more “artistic format” and ill be able to view it as POETRY rather than beautiful words, strung together for someone to read.