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On another board I go to, they are having a discussion about asking poets the meaning of their poems. I haven't participated in the discussion but i'm finding it to be interesting reading. Maybe I'll send you a link.
Lrod has always had the philosophy ... "Never explain. Never apologize." I don't get that myself. But this reminded me of it.
I like it when people let me know what they got out of my poems... what it meant to them. I love it! Because oftentimes, they come up with meanings and layers of meanings I didn't intend, or better said, I didn't know where there. I believe sometimes a poet is simply the vehicle for the poem, not necessarily knowing consciously all the meanings that could be there, which is why I created the "Interpretations" forum here (a forum which is rarely used... and I'm guilty of not using it myself).
When people ask me what I mean by my writing, I don't know what to say because to me, the poem should say it all. Sometimes I feel like a failure when I'm asked. Other times, I say, "whatever it means to you." And still other times, I explain what I intended to mean, especially in a critique forum, in case my peers can help by giving me some advice as to how I can say it better. (Though I don't often participate in critique any more)
Anyway, thanks for the explanation. Fun stuff, buttercup!
