Word Lab
Language is a kind of math. One letter added or taken away can dramatically change an equation. Writing is a like a scientific experiment with millions of theories to test, millions of combinations to figure with millions of results. A finished poem is like a tested theory, a solved problem, one with a common denominator and an unknown x factor to consider.
Writers are like scientists looking for answers without knowing the questions. They start out not knowing exactly what they’re looking for. Combustion? A cure? Something that propels their learning forward? They’re compelled to spend hours in the word lab exploring the math of letters because adjective + noun + verb = more than the sum of its parts.
December 17th, 2011 12:20 am
It makes me think of Stephen Sondheim–writing “lyrics” to music and the painstaking way he goes about his work….! Brilliant, beyond belief. Because every song is a little play, and if one must serve the ‘book’ of a musical—move the story along with a song—The challange is quite amazing and wonderful and with him, Brilliant, ALL the time…..
December 17th, 2011 9:25 am
You understand this scientific experiment and that is why your experiments come up with such great conclusions.
December 17th, 2011 9:54 am
So true and when it happens it is magnificent.
December 17th, 2011 5:53 pm
and in post modern poetry, using process to achieve poetry, you might say I’m running a method lab.