Poetry Has Poor Public Relations

In Japanese culture,there are various 'Do's' or 'ways',Kendo(the way of the sword),Bushido(the way of the warrior) and also Kado(the way of poetry). The belief is that,through rigorous application and dedication to your 'way' or 'path',you'll eventually see into the nature of all things. The concept that poetry is a spiritual path and not a purely literary exercise is in modern culture,subject to derision but our ancestors would have agreed with the orient.

In Nordic culture,there was the Skald,in Celtic the Bard,in Provencal France before the Albigensian crusades,the Troubadour. They were the poets,storytellers,history keepers and lawgivers of the people. Honoured,respected passing between warring parties without let or hindrance. A gentleman was expected to fight gallantly,act honourable and express himself,especially to his lover,poetically.

A haiku

A pilgrim walks
towards the infinite.
back to the world

Today's poetry quote,'A poem is never finished,only abandoned' Paul Valery