You are very observant, and I think the answer to the poem's question is that both processes are active. I also think they are slow processes---we are not yet ready, unfortunately, for a large return to the long formats of, say, something like Browning's Ring And Book. Some few will always form a core audience, in every generation, for the long poems. However, I think that there is a lot of legitimacy in Callimachus" ancient assertion that a big poem can be a big headache. Forty-eight years ago, this month, I first began to study Poetry---and I thought, then, that epic form was the supreme vehicle for poetry. I do not believe that now---I applaud Callimachus' literary opinions.
I hope this comment makes some sense in its attempt to reply to your very astute Poem.
For sure the Illiad was a bit of a headache similar to the novel Gone With the Wind what for the sheer length of lines. It probably takes a rare talent to keep our attention and keep us entertained simulaneously. Add that to the slow nature of the reading process so there is something to be grateful for with regards to each generation's "core audience."
You are very observant, and I
You are very observant, and I think the answer to the poem's question is that both processes are active. I also think they are slow processes---we are not yet ready, unfortunately, for a large return to the long formats of, say, something like Browning's Ring And Book. Some few will always form a core audience, in every generation, for the long poems. However, I think that there is a lot of legitimacy in Callimachus" ancient assertion that a big poem can be a big headache. Forty-eight years ago, this month, I first began to study Poetry---and I thought, then, that epic form was the supreme vehicle for poetry. I do not believe that now---I applaud Callimachus' literary opinions.
I hope this comment makes some sense in its attempt to reply to your very astute Poem.
Starward
For sure the Illiad was a bit
For sure the Illiad was a bit of a headache similar to the novel Gone With the Wind what for the sheer length of lines. It probably takes a rare talent to keep our attention and keep us entertained simulaneously. Add that to the slow nature of the reading process so there is something to be grateful for with regards to each generation's "core audience."
here is poetry that doesn't always conform
galateus, arkayye, arqios,arquious, crypticbard, excalibard, wordweaver