Organic poetry, a term coined by American poet and critic, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, refers to poetry that:
1. Emphasizes the natural flow of thought and feeling:
* Unstructured form: Unlike traditional forms with strict rules, organic poetry often breaks free from conventional structures like sonnets or haikus. It allows the poem's form to emerge organically from the content.
* Free verse: This is a common form of organic poetry, characterized by the absence of a regular rhyme scheme and meter.
* Stream of consciousness: The poem might mimic the flow of thoughts and feelings of the speaker, sometimes resembling an internal monologue.
2. Focuses on the individual experience:
* Personal voice: The poet's personal experiences, emotions, and reflections are central to the poem.
* Subjectivity: The poem often expresses individual perceptions and interpretations of the world rather than objective truths.
3. Explores the relationship between the poet and nature:
* Nature as a source of inspiration: The poet often draws inspiration from the natural world, finding parallels between their own experiences and those of nature.
* Symbolic representation: Natural imagery is often used symbolically to convey deeper meanings and ideas.
4. Emphasizes the importance of language:
* Word choice: The poet meticulously selects words that evoke specific emotions and images.
* Sound devices: Techniques like alliteration, assonance, and consonance are used to create musicality and enhance the reader's experience.
* Imagery: Vivid descriptions and sensory details are used to create a powerful impression on the reader.
5. Evolves organically throughout the writing process:
* Iterative process: The poem is often written and revised multiple times as the poet explores their ideas and emotions.
* Unpredictability: The final form of the poem may not be fully planned out in advance but instead emerges from the creative process.
Examples of organic poetry:
* "Kubla Khan" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
* "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe
* "Song of Myself" by Walt Whitman
* "The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot
Note: Organic poetry is not always easily defined. It can be interpreted in various ways, and poets may use elements of organic poetry in different combinations and degrees.