Despite its sound, the word proem does not mean a prose poem.

Nor is it a self-evident truth.

A proem is an introduction, a preface perhaps, or as is the case here, an invitation meant to provoke discussion.

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Muchof children’s poetry today is not splendid but Splenda-ed.

Poetryis a blind date with enchantment.

Poets write to keep experience from oblivion.

When your muse takes a holiday, consider a spider weaving a web, take in a ball game, talk to your loquacious uncle. Substitute muses roam the world.

Poems based on “feelings” are often absent of feeling.

When ever I see the word “sincere” in a poem, I stop reading.

A poem is to a video game what a painting is to a graffito.

The eternal question: Where does a poet get his ideas? I believe they rise, after afew hours, through the bottom of a chair.

The idea for a poem does not begin with an idea: it begins with a word, a phrase.

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