Holidays?

So how do we feel about writing poems about the holidays? I tried writing a Christmas poem a couple years back because I was just so taken by the Christmas spirit, and it wasn’t too bad, but reading it after the holidays, I realized it seemed cliche and contrived. I’ve wanted to talk about this for a while and I feel like the blog, where a bunch of writers both in Geneseo and out, can add their input. Do we like holiday poems? Should I just stick to seasons and thunderstorms like a true poet?

I’ve read a couple poems centering around the holidays, but it seems like they always deal with a larger theme, with like, the holiday in the background. Is that the key?

Or should I just embrace the fact that I want to become the Michael Buble of Christmas poems?

3 Replies to “Holidays?”

  1. Hi Marley,
    I completely relate to this post! I think that there is definite validity in writing a holiday poem, but because there are such singular images associated with holidays, they become expected when writing about them. I also think, though, that a poem can be about the holiday. A way to do that might be to examine/express something through the lens of that holiday, noticing what that holiday brings up and how it might accentuate or mask different features or factors.

    1. That’s a good point. Have you ever written a poem about a holiday? The last one I tried to write about (I think it was two years ago??) dealt with a not-so-great relationship. I’d be happy to share if you want to read it haha

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