The best news journalism cannot match poetry for concise emotional intensity when discussing political subject matter. If you, as a poet, wish to resurrect political poetry, work to imbue your discipline with a new perspective. A revival requires a contemporary, post structuralist context in both free verse and traditional poetry.
Here are some points to consider and perhaps inspire you:
* Poetry can be an effective medium to express the general frustration with the status quo. Allow your poetry to express a true need for change.
* Step up to provocative political points of view from the current left or right, or find them in history.
* Gain experience or express the experiences shaped by government and politics that influence your daily life.
* Ignore political complacency in others and write about something other than the mighty "I, Me, My."
* Don't worry about appeal to poetry readers. Write what you genuinely feel about the current circumstances in which you find your opinions and yourself. Present something new to a wary audience who hungers for the innovative.
* Remember to engage your reader but don't scream at them and scare them off.
*Endeavor to place yours and others' political poetry at the forefront of the public dialogue.
*Consider your efforts to be an adventure and a contribution to Poetry and to your fellow Citizens.
--e. smith sleigh
My poetry website: These Things are a One Thing http://bit.ly/iionKS