Reflections on a Mandarin Peel and the Essence of Poetry

Once upon a day, in a serene context, I stood witness to a peculiar and delightful encounter with a self-proclaimed 'self-entitled personal mandarin peeler.'

Encounter with the Mandarin Peel

I watched intently as he inspected a tree/fruits and plucked an ostensibly ripe mandarin. Despite the still green skin, I harbored doubts. He, with a charming smile, assured me, 'This is the most ripe of them all.'

In that moment, holding another in his hand, I relinquished my skepticism and grinned, standing tentatively beside the man. He patiently peeled the fruit, revealing its orange insides, and handed it to me. I looked at the fruit, then at him, and then back at the fruit, now more exposed, and again at him.

The act was simple yet profound. He peeled a mandarin for me, as if crafting a little treat for a child. It was an enjoyable snack, a revelation in itself. As we continued our walk, I found myself spitting out seeds, contemplating the uniqueness of this shared moment.

I told him, “No one has ever peeled a mandarin for me before,” and it seemed to ignite his playful side. He replied, ‘I don’t believe I’ve peeled a mandarin for someone before either. My Mandarin peeler! ’

The Critique of Poetry

Now, when it comes to critiquing poetry, one must avoid the trap of offering overly flattering comments that blind the poet with false praise. A genuine critique should always suggest areas for improvement, even if the poem is close to perfection. True critics know that no poem is ever completely finished or unchangeable.

Formal Structure and Emotional Expression in Poetry

Starting with a formal structure for your words can help you understand the requirements of a poem. First and foremost, a poem does not serve as a mere venting of your emotions or thoughts. Instead, it should describe the world around you, allowing the environment to convey what you are trying to express. Poets are like elves, searching for trees, skies, and pools of ice to share their feelings and thoughts with the world.

To write a more refined poem, find one you admire and attempt to emulate its form and emotional depth. Your current efforts may feel rather primitive, both formally and emotionally. Embracing a formal structure can guide you on what a poem needs. Try to avoid pouring your heart directly into the poem. Instead, focus on describing the tangible world around you and let these descriptions speak for you.

Exploring the Theme of Reality and the Mind

In my own struggles, I have grappled with the theme of 'Reality rarely penetrates the mind.' Allow the details of your surroundings to become the core of your poem. Set aside time, perhaps with a notebook, to explore this theme. Consider how reality and the mind interact and how you can capture this interplay through vivid, descriptive language.

In conclusion, writing poetry is both an art and a process of refinement. It requires not only the expression of emotion but also the delicate crafting of words that resonate with readers. By following these guidelines and focusing on the world around you, you can create a more engaging and meaningful poem.