The F Word.

[Hippyret]

Anyone want talk about the F word and the use of profanities in poetry? The limits of good taste, proprietry, whatever that is. Going too far, causing offense, self cencorship........

Find and define the edge. That would be a good name for it: The Edge.

Francis.

[Erika S]

Do you mean in general or is your prompt directed specifically to posting at this site? If it is the former, Voyages is a more appropriate forum. If it is the latter, offering a valid argument for whatever opinion you hold would probably be the best way to bring about change.

-Erika

[JohnBoddie]

The major problem with profanity in the majority of poetry where it appears is that it is inserted primarily for shock value. Profanity has an effect somewhat like cliches in that it short circuits the thinking process.

There are some poems that use profanity effectively, but they are only a small percentage of the poems where it can be found.

JB

[Patrice]

The problem with the F word in poetry as I see it is that the word is so overused as to have become a cliche in itself. Think about it: It's often used as multiple parts of speech in one sentence, for example,"Hey fuck face, you stupid fuck, fuck off." It doesn't shock most people anymore, it's just boring. Come up with something new, especially in erotic poetry.

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Patrice

An ace, pestering a jet

[kaydee]

I agree with the previous post. It is so overused that it has become cliche. Spend an hour at any high-school. The word is used as noun, verb, adjective, adverb, etc.etc.
I happen to think that this particular word has become the post-war population's substitute for "you know?" It is simply a cover-up for the inarticulate and ignorant. I am far more impressed by someone who can formulate an intelligent sentence without resorting to slang an obscenity.
kd

[clive]

Fuck is a fantastic word. In poetry, where each word counts for so much, a well-placed fuck can have real impact. However, I think you need to be a pretty good poet to pull it off. My idol, Larkin, does it brilliantly, of course, but lesser lights should steer clear. I have no problem with profanity, but bad poetry - aargh! I remember reading a poem in which the writer (a woman whose name I can't recall) had used the word "cunt". In this poem, it was absolutely right, but I can imagine some poetaster rhyming it with front and brunt in some godawful "ode to my girl".

Clive

[Harry Rutherford]

If you really want to read some obscene poetry, Rochester is quite a laugh.

He wrote a genuinely funny poem about premature ejaculation, for example.

Harry

[Hilary]

It's a real shame that 'fuck' is so over-used. I agree with Clive it is a fantastic word and like any strong seasoning should be used with discretion. What a shame there is no real substitute. Although my colleagues and I once found 152 words for sexual intercourse, 'fuck' is by far the best.

[Ted]

I have only used it once in a short, angry poem. The poem was well-received, so I guess I don't have any problems with it.

I think clive is right: a well-placed fuck can be wonderful.

[RainKing]

Hey all;
I really enjoyed the thread here. So as an example to this conversation, I offer a glimpse of one of my own. Is it necessary, unnecessary, etc. Is it simply shock value or does it add anything to the scene. Be honest, I've already had a go with numerous people concerning its inclusion.
Chip
From "Strange Blessings'

Veins of bitterness
etched across the wind-burnt face
of the women trapped
in the ticket booth.
Paper thin cuts
and black sores
were the only color
casted across her hands.
She scraped up my ticket
and yelled, "Lucky fuck!"
A strange blessing recited for
the last red-eye south
from a windy night.

[garyg]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Harry Rutherford:
If you really want to read some obscene poetry, Rochester is quite a laugh.

He wrote a genuinely funny poem about premature ejaculation, for example.

Harry

**I'm guessing that it was a
really
short
poem.

[Eagle Song]

I definatly agree with Clive. A well placed fuck can imprint a poem on the mind of the reader.
Take for example Micheal Longleys poem "Wounds".

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"Jesus can you take the time to throw a drowning man a line?"

Bono