English:
Not Easy, Consistent, or Sensible!
A
rose by any other name is still a work of art …
POESY (ʹpō-ɘ-zē,
-sē; 14th century) n. – 1) a. a poem or body of poems;
b. poetry; c. artificial or
sentimentalized poetic writing; 2.) poetic inspiration. [WW #284]
And just to confuse everyone … POSY is
considered by Webster an alternate spelling of POESY but with its
own definition. Although its listing begins with 1). a brief sentiment, motto,
or legend” which could be loosely applied to “a poem or body of poems … et al,”
POESY’s definition says nothing about flowers …
POSY:
1) a brief sentiment, motto, or legend;
2) a. bouquet, nosegay; b. flower.
Ah well, no one ever said the English language
was easy, consistent, or sensible.
Last month we learned how georgic creativity can bring poetry down to Earth. This week, let’s wax creative with the masters; be playful
or express your emotions, in a poesy.
Never written a poem, let
alone, a poesy? Fear not, oh budding poet! Since “poetic writing”
includes all fictionalized arts, as in prose and drama, your scope is not
limited to rhyme. Still need assistance?
Pick up a copy of William Scott’s 1599
poetry guidelines, The Model of Poesy. Rediscovered in 2003, it is “one
of the more significant literary manuscripts to come to light in recent years,”
says Gavin
Alexander.
The editor’s acclaimed 2013 edition with introduction
and commentary, is available through the Cambridge
University Press as part of the University of Cambridge (UK).
Tune
in next week for a poetical word of commentary that offers a decidedly critical
view …
Word Challenge: POESY. With such a broad definition, surely you’ll
create a way to fit poesy into your week of whimsical
writings and clever conversations with a dash of English Renaissance.
Learning knows no prejudices or boundaries, and it isn’t fattening!
Expanding your mind is a no-cost, simple joy. Do you feel that way too? What’s your
inspiration? Share your creative genius and Wordplay Wednesday comments below.
Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle)
[LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by
trade, and an author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books in
her Blast from Your Past series (of
three) about pioneering R&R Radio DJs. True behind-the-mic tales make GREAT
Holiday and anytime Gifts available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years
1954-1959; and Book
2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic
Seventies!]
*LR Notes: 1) Dictionary
definitions are quoted from Webster’s New World College Dictionary. Yes,
we sometimes present them out of “official” context—but that’s half the fun!
Think of it as “creative context.” 2) a] Recent dictionary additions to
definitions include a date of first use, if known; b] words in small caps
indicate “see also.” 3) Neither I (LinDee Rochelle) nor Penchant for Penning
are responsible for how you use information found here, that may result in
legal action.
E-N-Dzzzzzzzz
