#8: Ars Poetica

Open and ongoing.

ASSIGNMENT PURPOSE

The purpose of this assignment is to write a poem in which the poet reflects upon the art of poetry, either its composition or its reception. In other words, the poem might focus on the art of writing poetry or the art of reading it. Topics might include its use or value, how to practice it, what forms and content are possible, or building a relationship with an author or reader.

Further information on and examples of poems of this type can be found at the Poetry Foundation.

EXAMPLES

See the published poems in this series.

FORMAL INTERESTS

We are specifically interested in poems that demonstrate careful attention to the elements of shape, line, music, comparison, and balance, and especially how those choices contribute to the cooperative harmony of form and emotion in the poem. Poems that do not meet these interests may be declined. For more on this perspective, see the five formal causes of beauty in poetry.

Additionally, we encourage you to consider new choices you might take in audience and poetic form as it pertains to aspects of narrative perspective, shape, sound, repetition, and enjambment.

HOW TO SUBMIT

Poetry submissions should be saved in Microsoft Word document format and composed in Times New Roman, 12 point font. They should be attached to an email to editor@texaspoetryassignment.org and include within the body of the email a brief cover letter and a 50-word biography.

EXTRA CREDIT

We are also interested in receiving poems accompanied by brief audio or video recordings of the sonnet by the author. Audio or video files should be saved in or converted to MP4 format and attached to the submission email.

ACCEPTANCE AND PUBLICATION

This call will remain open indefinitely. Poems will be published as they are accepted.

READING

Texas Poetry Assignment will also host a reading of selected poems from this assignment. Date and time to be announced.

PUBLICATION RIGHTS

Writers will retain all rights to their work published on this site.