One of my 2021 reading goals was to read more poetry. I have not read as much poetry as I would have liked, but recently, I checked a book out of my local library that was about poetry

The colorful cover attracted me, and I have always admired e.e. cummings. Although the publication date was 1958, the book was a fascinating read of essays and other pieces by cummings himself. In the first section, an essay by cummings “Is Something Wrong?” poses the question, “Is something wrong with America’s creative artists?” cummings’ answer is a yes and no. Also, he points out that each of us has a poet within, and he gives this advice: “Do not fear the artist in yourselves, my fellow citizens. Honor him and love him. Love him truly–do not try to possess him.” He ends this essay with, “Only the artist in yourselves is more truthful than the night.”

In the second part, an essay, “A Poet’s Advice to Students,” cummings defines the poet as: “A poet is someone who feels, and who expresses his feelings through words.” He continues, “…And so my advice to all young people who wish to become poets is: do something easy, like learning how to blow up the world–unless you’re willing, but glad to feel and work and fight till you die. Does this sound dismal? It isn’t. It’s the most wonderful life on earth. Or, so I feel.” cummings’ feelings about being a poet is that it isn’t easy; it’s hard, but it’s “the most wonderful life on earth.”

Confession time: I did not read this book cover to cover; I read the essays that “called out to me.” As my grandson would say, “I did not read the entire book; I ‘used’ it.”