"WHAT IS THE USE OF POETRY?"

Selections from Poetry As Insurgent Art, by Lawrence Ferlinghetti:

"I am signaling you through the flames.

The North Pole is not where it used to be.

Manifest Destiny is no longer manifest.

What are poets for, in such an age? What is the use of poetry?

If you would be a poet, create works capable of answering the challenge of apocalyptic times, even if this means sounding acopalyptic.

If you would be a poet, experiment with all manner of poetics, erotic broken grammars, ecstatic religions, heathen outpourings speaking in tongues, bombast public speech, automatic scribblings, surrealist sensings, streams of consciousness, found sounds, rants and raves -- to create your own limbic, your underlying voice, your ur voice.

If you call yourself a poet, don't just sit there. Poetry is not a sedentary occupation, not a 'take your seat' practice. Stand up and let them have it."

(Ardent thanks to Eleni for sending me this volume.)