I can gladly listen to Emily Dickinson on any subject, whether it is an "I" that may or may not refer to herself, or a snake, a flower, God, or the weather. Some poets are happiest when inventing narratives; some, when they are drawing on situations that they know to be true because they experienced them. I think poets should play to their strengths, once they know what those are, but trying new things just to see where they lead can be productive, too. On the whole, I don't think others should try to dictate to writers about what they should or should not write about. The content should come from within. Are writers ever really happy when they try to follow what is trendy or popular instead of following their own interests?
Susan
|