Blog #3

Writing a poem using Bly’s formula is proving to be more difficult than what I originally thought. I am very used to writing in free form and without a real structure. Bly general advises beginning a poem with a simple “assertion”. An “assertion” is a statement that a reader is comfortable with and can relate with. This statement is something that most people resonate with and readily accept. If I was to put, “I ate cereal” this is an assertion that is accepted universally. Bly advises using simple assertions early in the poem to draw the reader in. Starting off too strong would chase the reader away and alter his views on how the poem would go throughout. Starting off slow allows the reader to ease their way into the poem. As the poem develops, you can begin to make stronger assertions. This technique is new to me and has taken a while to adjust to. Every time I begin to write, I keep checking the first couple of lines to make sure they are not too strong or overwhelming. It’s a very delicate balance between too much and too little. I don’t want to start off a poem weakly, but at the same time do not want to become too overbearing. With more time and effort and practice, I know that it will become easier and more natural. For now though, it’s been a very difficult transition.