Should young poets pay attention to what old poets say?

I was a young poet once.

I went out of my way to pay attention to nobody.

I stopped reading at the age of 23. I had decided to become a writer. I did not want my ideas to be originated or influenced by other people's work.

At the age of 37, I published an essay and five songs.

That was when I started reading again, after gaining confidence in my abilities.

After 9-11, I made a long list of books and papers to read: The Koran; the Dead Sea Scrolls; Venerable Bede; Hammurabi's Code; A History of God; The Case for Christ; a Brief History of Time.

I have not finished the Hawking, yet.

I started writing poetry again last year. I have written almost 600 poems since June of 2007. I have published 1 poetry compilation and am working on 3 more, including a book of my own work. I have a novel underway and have published a dozen new essays.

I would say that paying attention to nobody, at a certain point in a writing sojourn, was a good idea...

Richard Brotbeck

Yes, I do believe that young poets should pay attention to what the older poets say. After all, where did the art come from, certainly not this century. I do believe, however, that we are finding our way back to poetry, and therefore we should definitely listen to the ones who came before us. Thank you for this reminder and for helping me learn. I always listen to what you say.

Pay attention to some old fools like me, and you can wind up narrow minded and stuck in a rut. But, you have to start somewhere. Learn the basics then find what you like and hopefully develop a style that will set you apart from everyone else, and still be enjoyable to write as well as read.

Very nice and yes, I think young poets can learn from old poets. Especially from tired old poets who are great teachers.

I have not even Begin to get my feet wet when it comes to poetry' but when i have a poem and people comments on how to do it better ' i always listen and while still trying to keep my style and learning how to do it better is ok and i am still real new to writing poetry and with time and luck i will get good one day too.[hopefully]

Who are you calling old? Pureed words sound far different that fresh penned! lol The masters teach but only if the student listens.

He fans the flame

with breath of words

and scribblings become

atmospheres' souls

now smell the air young man

I am not familiar with the old poets. My knowledge is sorely lacking. I'd be better at writing if I were. Who shall I start with?

I posted the other, saying

Yes

yes

and yes!

of course. you gotta learn the rules before you can bend and break them.

Of course they should.