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Rating(4.5 / 5.0, 13 votes)
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13 reviews
July 15,2025
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This is really cool.

It is a loose collection of Roethke's thoughts on poetry writing, and it is truly insightful in a kind of meditative way.

Roethke has the ability to be both straightforward and rather abstract.

Sometimes he presents his ideas in a clear and direct manner, while at other times he delves into the realm of abstraction, making the reader think deeply.

However, one thing remains constant - his profoundness.

His words have the power to touch the core of our being and make us see poetry in a whole new light.

As someone who writes poetry myself, I have found this collection to be of great help.

It has provided me with new perspectives and ideas, and has inspired me to explore different aspects of my own writing.

I highly recommend this collection to anyone who has an interest in poetry or is looking for some inspiration.

It is truly a gem that is worth exploring.
July 15,2025
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Pretty academic take on poetry;

however, there are some choice lessons within Roethke's lectures. His approach to analyzing poetry is not only intellectually stimulating but also offers practical insights for those interested in the art form. Roethke delves deep into the structure, rhythm, and imagery of poems, uncovering hidden meanings and emotions.

By closely examining the works of different poets, he shows how they use language to create powerful and evocative pieces.

Moreover, Roethke's lectures provide a platform for discussing the role of poetry in society and its ability to connect people on a deeper level.

Overall, while his take on poetry may be academic, the lessons within his lectures are valuable and can enhance one's appreciation and understanding of this beautiful art form.
July 15,2025
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Look,

I have a great affection for all of his notes on teaching and craft, as well as the lectures. They are truly inspiring and extremely useful. They offer valuable insights and practical tips that can enhance one's teaching skills and understanding of the craft.

However, the creepy pseudonym writing at the end really left a bad taste in my mouth. It was rather off-putting and made me feel a bit queasy. It seemed out of place and detracted from the overall positive experience that the notes and lectures had provided.

Despite this one negative aspect, I still appreciate the majority of the content and will continue to refer to it for its educational value. But I hope that in the future, the author will refrain from using such creepy pseudonyms and focus on presenting the valuable information in a more straightforward and appealing way.
July 15,2025
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The instructions provided are truly very good.

They are not only comprehensive but also presented in a clear and understandable manner.

It is evident that a great deal of effort has been put into creating these instructions to ensure that users can easily follow and understand them.

The quality of the instructions makes the product or service they are associated with well worth the purchase.

Moreover, they are also worth the read as they can provide valuable insights and information that can enhance the user's experience.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, these instructions are sure to be of great help.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a product or service that comes with excellent instructions, then this is definitely one to consider.

It is well worth the investment and you will not be disappointed.
July 15,2025
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Roethke's profound regional influence truly piqued my interest in him and his work. He was originally from the Midwest and spent a significant number of years teaching at the University of Washington.

During his tenure there, he had the opportunity to teach many students who would later go on to become noted poets. Some of the notable names include Carolyn Kizer, Tess Gallaher, and David Wagoner.

On Poetry & Craft was like a doorway that flung me into a fluid and poignant compilation of essays, reviews, and journal excerpts. This was a significant departure for me from the world of classic fiction. The direct and cadenced nature of his voice had the remarkable ability to turn intellectually intimidating work and ideas into accessible and personable beats.

It is obvious that he was a master of language. His insights and critiques were far from being sterile or clinical. By carefully identifying the subtleties, nuances, and intricacies of language, he offered readers a rich and immersive encounter with poetry.

This book truly distinguishes him as someone who highly valued youth, individual expression, and the delicately potent use of language. His words, such as "The decasyllable line is fine fine for someone who wants to meditate - or maunder. Me, I need something to jump in: hence the spins and shifts, the songs, the rants and howls. The shorter line can still serve us: it did when English was young, and when we were children," continue to resonate and inspire.
July 15,2025
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The statement that "The writer who maintains that he works without regard for the opinion of others is either a jackass or a pathological liar" is quite thought-provoking.

HA! This simple exclamation shows the author's strong reaction to this idea.

I truly love this book. It has such profound and interesting content that I will definitely return to it repeatedly.

Especially for the teaching aphorisms it contains. These aphorisms are like precious pearls, offering valuable insights and wisdom.

They can inspire readers, make them think deeply about various aspects of life and work, and help them gain a better understanding of the world and themselves.

This book is not only a source of entertainment but also a great educational tool.

It enriches our minds and broadens our horizons, making us more mature and intelligent.

I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves reading and seeking knowledge.

July 15,2025
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Eternal apprenticeship is the life of the true poet. This profound statement is from Selected notebook entries (1949-53), first published in Shenandoah, and then in Straw for the Fire.


This collection, which is filled with a wide variety of prose, ranging from concise aphorisms to meandering remarks, is a remarkable volume of poetic guidance by one of the greatest masters of the form. For instance, on just two pages (80-81), the author of the second-most famous villanelle in the English language (after Dylan Thomas's Do Not Go Gentle into that Good Night) provides us with precise advice on three crucial aspects of poetry: rhythm (\\"rhythm depends on expecting\\"), diction (\\"often a very good figure from another level or range will jar\\"), and moments (\\"beware the poetry of moments\\"). This is the most solid advice that a beginner, unformed writer (56: \\"the beginning writer is often neither bad nor good, but simply unformed\\") could ever hope to receive.


However, Roethke's advice goes beyond generalities. At times, the master (Papa, as he would self-deprecatingly refer to himself) also focuses on specific technical details, even down to the level of the line itself. This is evident when he comments on the lines: \\"It was my life, or so I said / And I did well, forsaking it / To go as quickly as the dead.\\" Roethke explains that \\"the technical trick is in the manipulation of the pause, the caesura, on the fourth and sixth syllables\\" (58).


So, through him and this invaluable collection, we can learn by imitation - which is itself the subject of an entire essay in the book - by imitating his verse, his analysis, his rhythms, and his poetic sensibility. And perhaps, after a lifetime of apprenticeship, all we can do is to \\"Be still\\" and \\"Wait.\\"

July 15,2025
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This is a compilation that consists of essays and quotes sourced from notebooks.

Some of these pieces were previously published in other places, and some were even under pseudonyms.

The sections that I found to be the most enlightening were the introduction penned by Carolyn Kizer and the essay that served as a tribute to the poet Louise Bogan.

However, it should be noted that this is not a comprehensive or unified book on poetry.

Many of the selections that were chosen to be reprinted simply struck me as rather strange.

I am unable to recommend this book, and I不禁 wonder what Roethke would have made of it.

Perhaps he would have had his own unique perspective and critique.

Nonetheless, it remains an interesting collection that offers a glimpse into different literary works and perspectives.

It may not be a perfect or definitive volume, but it does have its moments of interest and value.

Overall, it is a book that may appeal to some readers, while others may find it less engaging.

July 15,2025
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I think I give up.

Teddy's writing about writing is just too indirect for me to fully grasp.

I was able to follow the epilogue and the introduction to some extent, but that's about it.

The rest of it seems like a mystery to me.

I couldn't even begin to comprehend the aphorisms he included.

It's really quite frustrating.

Maybe someday, when I have received more education in poetry and have a better understanding of the nuances of language, I'll be able to make sense of Teddy's writing.

But for now, I'm just going to have to admit defeat and move on to something else.

Who knows, maybe I'll come back to it in the future and be amazed at how much I've grown.

Until then, I'll keep reading and learning, hoping to improve my literary skills and expand my knowledge.

July 15,2025
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A book specifically designed for writers and poets awaits to be discovered.

This remarkable volume is filled with a plethora of essays that offer valuable insights, inspiration, and practical advice.

The essays cover a wide range of topics, from the creative process and finding one's unique voice to the challenges and joys of writing.

In addition to the essays, the book is also peppered with numerous pithy statements.

These concise yet powerful nuggets of wisdom capture the essence of writing and poetry in a few words, serving as a source of motivation and reflection.

Whether you are a seasoned writer or just starting out on your literary journey, this book is a must-have companion.

It will not only enhance your writing skills but also nourish your creativity and passion for the written word.

So, pick up this book and let it be your guide on the path to becoming a better writer and poet.

July 15,2025
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The next best thing to taking a course with Roetke is to immerse oneself in his works. Roetke's poetry is a treasure trove of vivid imagery, profound emotions, and unique perspectives. By reading his poems carefully, one can gain insights into his creative process and the themes that inspired him.

Another way to experience Roetke's influence is to study his life and the historical context in which he lived. This can help us understand the forces that shaped his art and the challenges he faced as a poet.

Finally, we can try to imitate Roetke's style in our own writing. While we may never achieve his level of mastery, we can learn from his techniques and use them to enhance our own work. In conclusion, while taking a course with Roetke may be the ideal way to learn from him, there are many other ways to gain inspiration and knowledge from his work.
July 15,2025
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His work is a curious blend, partly excellent and partly pure vitriol.

His poetry, along with his discussion of it, appears to be composed of half ego and half complete devotion to the excellence of word-craft.

One might wonder if he is a cranky man.

His writing style is so unique that it elicits strong reactions from readers.

Some praise his poetic genius and the meticulous attention he pays to the art of language.

They believe that his work showcases a rare talent for crafting words into beautiful and meaningful expressions.

However, others are put off by what they perceive as his excessive ego and the harshness in some of his works.

They argue that his self-importance detracts from the overall quality of his poetry.

Despite the mixed opinions, there is no denying that his work has made a significant impact in the literary world.

Whether he is a cranky man or a misunderstood genius, his poetry continues to be a subject of debate and study.

Perhaps only time will tell the true value of his contributions.

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