Making a Poem: Some Thoughts about Poetry and the People Who Write It

By Miller Williams

Book Overview

"We need poetry as we need love and company," according to Miller Williams. Making a Poem speaks to us all-those of us trying to write a first poem, those who have published volumes of poetry, and anyone who cares how the world and language fit together. Distinguished as a poet, a teacher, a scholar, and a publisher, Williams traverses a wealth of topics. He explores poetic techniques of line break, rhythm and meter, and the development of verse forms. In our technological age, he makes clear that poetry is essential to the human soul, showing the connection between scientists and humanists. Williams draws from experience to describe the importance of teaching poetry to prisoners, the value of the university and the small press in fostering poetry, and the relationship between writer and editor. Making a Poem is an intimate, conversational treatise on poetry by a man of letters with decades of practice in both the business and the craft of verse. Readers will take away from this delightful book a deeper appreciation of the poet's art and the vital role poetry can play in their everyday lives.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0807131326
• ISBN13: 9780807131329
• Release Date: October 2006
• Publisher: LSU Press
• Length: 136 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.1" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Miller is a masterful poet in his own right, his reflections reflect that

Wonderful insight on poetic process and persona, lucid observations on some of the most important poets from many varied centuries and schools.