I loved your cento and have already created some without knowing that’s what they were called - we live and learn! Your cento has encouraged me to buy the book it is based on as it sounds right up my street. And useful for more centos, that’s for sure.
I don’t believe in the Cento. I believe it is disrespectful to take some else’s creative efforts , especially without their permission, “just for fun”. I can pretty much guarantee you that what you take was not written for fun, but was gathered from the author’s heart and soul, to connect with the reader in a very special way, not to be used for someone’s fun, or as an writing exercise. Would you really paint the Mona Lisa, only in different hues of color? We all have more creativity inside us than we can imagine. It is up to us to gather it in and share it with the world. I didn’t really want to write this response but couldn’t help myself. If you feel I’m being too serious, not fun, so be it. Just ask yourself what you’re poetry means to you.
Hey there, Frank! I'm glad for your candor. May I offer a different perspective, in friendly discussion? Not meaning to argue with you, but to share?
First, the cento is an ancient and time-honored poetry form, dating back to the days after Homer, and many celebrated poets have engaged in it (e.g., T.S. Eliot). But beyond that, I enjoy this creative form in the same way that, as a musician, I might put together a medley of songs by one or more composers, or how I might use musical phrasings from different musical artists within a single jazz composition. My new arrangement doesn't change the original composition(s)—rather, it builds upon it, while also paying tribute to it and its creator. In some ways, it helps keep the original alive, by giving it additional lives.
I welcome anybody to take any of my work and do that. In fact, last year I did—I invited Rafters to create centos from my second STAYING POWER volume. The centos they made were AMAZING! And hearing their creators reflect on the process, and how much they enjoyed it, and the personal insights they gleaned from it . . .
I was so happy! Maybe "fun" was too light-hearted a word, but I do believe in the power of play. There's nothing new under the sun. Aren't we all just taking what's already here (including the inspirations arising within us) and going on the adventure of making something from it? I find that process powerful, serious, and joyful (i.e., fun). 🤩
Thanks for listening, Frank. I'd be interested in your response.
I love the idea of a Cento celebration!!! May your move go as smoothly as possible. Coming off of 3 moves in one year (2021-2022) it all does help pare down everything to what is really necessary :-)
I loved your cento and have already created some without knowing that’s what they were called - we live and learn! Your cento has encouraged me to buy the book it is based on as it sounds right up my street. And useful for more centos, that’s for sure.
Maybe you could share one of your centos with The Raft if we do a cento celebration? (Nudge, nudge . . .)
May Sargon is one of my longtime favorite writers. Have read all her books. Reread a few :)
Brilliant cento, Phyllis 👍
Glad you enjoyed it!
Here’s to a smoothe & easy move for you 🙏❤️
Thanks so much, Mish!
I don’t believe in the Cento. I believe it is disrespectful to take some else’s creative efforts , especially without their permission, “just for fun”. I can pretty much guarantee you that what you take was not written for fun, but was gathered from the author’s heart and soul, to connect with the reader in a very special way, not to be used for someone’s fun, or as an writing exercise. Would you really paint the Mona Lisa, only in different hues of color? We all have more creativity inside us than we can imagine. It is up to us to gather it in and share it with the world. I didn’t really want to write this response but couldn’t help myself. If you feel I’m being too serious, not fun, so be it. Just ask yourself what you’re poetry means to you.
Hey there, Frank! I'm glad for your candor. May I offer a different perspective, in friendly discussion? Not meaning to argue with you, but to share?
First, the cento is an ancient and time-honored poetry form, dating back to the days after Homer, and many celebrated poets have engaged in it (e.g., T.S. Eliot). But beyond that, I enjoy this creative form in the same way that, as a musician, I might put together a medley of songs by one or more composers, or how I might use musical phrasings from different musical artists within a single jazz composition. My new arrangement doesn't change the original composition(s)—rather, it builds upon it, while also paying tribute to it and its creator. In some ways, it helps keep the original alive, by giving it additional lives.
I welcome anybody to take any of my work and do that. In fact, last year I did—I invited Rafters to create centos from my second STAYING POWER volume. The centos they made were AMAZING! And hearing their creators reflect on the process, and how much they enjoyed it, and the personal insights they gleaned from it . . .
I was so happy! Maybe "fun" was too light-hearted a word, but I do believe in the power of play. There's nothing new under the sun. Aren't we all just taking what's already here (including the inspirations arising within us) and going on the adventure of making something from it? I find that process powerful, serious, and joyful (i.e., fun). 🤩
Thanks for listening, Frank. I'd be interested in your response.
I love the idea of a Cento celebration!!! May your move go as smoothly as possible. Coming off of 3 moves in one year (2021-2022) it all does help pare down everything to what is really necessary :-)
Pare, pare, pare . . . I’m enjoying the process very much, but I’ve never been much of a “keeper.” Harder for hubby. 😉 Thanks for your good wishes.