FanStory.com - Poetry or Proseby Terry Broxson

I have noticed that there seem to be far fewer prose writers on FS these days than I have seen in the past. For example, I looked at the ranked writing a couple of days ago.

Sixty-six poems had reached ATB status, and only thirteen prose stories. I think it would also indicate a whole lot more poets who likely don't review prose unless it's for the promotion money.

Of course, that is why prose writers read poetry. We can't understand it, but the money's good, and poems are always shorter than most prose. Well-known fact: our reviews are usually the same. It helps to be able to spell imagery. I never got that right in high school.

It is a little disconcerting for a prose writer when we can't keep up with the poets. Actually, it's dang annoying. So, I have decided to join 'em. I can't beat 'em in any contest. What the heck is a 5-7-5 anyway? What is meter, and why would the metric system be in poetry?

So, I'm joining 'em.

I know what you're thinking, "That Terry's no fool, wonder what he's up to?"

I think we got three kinds of poets here:

Great ones. There is only a handful, maybe less. I won't name any names, but you know who you are. Esoteric. Nobody understands anything you write, but we all say it's great.

The very good ones. This is a longer list. I won't mention any names here either because some will think they should have been on the Great list.

The last kind of poet, which may surprise you, is not bad, but one who is enjoying their journey for the sake of the journey, and a few others who hope to improve their writing.

Eventhough, this is posted on the prose side. This is my official movement to the dark side. I know I will have to start at the bottom ring of poets. But I hope to improve and move to be a great poet someday. Well respected, and no one understands why.

To Be,

Or,

Not to be.

That was a question,

Asked long ago.

In a land far away.

By a little elf on a shelf.

Inquiring minds wanted to know,
Is it nobler to write poetry or prose?

Who knows?

Said the elf,

on the shelf.