All’s Fair in Love and Poetry: A Poetic License to Art

September 4th, 2024 3:43 pm | by Blog Contributor Posted in Poetry

The idea that “all’s fair in love and poetry” suggests that the standard rules can be bent or broken regarding matters of the heart and creative expression.

This poetic license allows poets and lovers alike to take certain unacceptable liberties in other contexts. Poet Brion K. Hanks shows how love and poetry are used in two of his books, “When the Rose Fades” and “Tales of a Traveler in Poetry and Prose.” As passionate as Mr. Hanks is, poetry is a diverse written art form that has helped people express their emotions for centuries. “A Journey” is an example of this.

^{Photo by Brion K. Hanks}

In poetry, this principle encourages bards to use hyperbole, metaphor, and other literary devices to elevate their declarations of love and yearnings of the soul. Moreover, a poet may describe their beloved using fantastical comparisons or lay claim to emotions that exceed normalcy. This heightened, even idealized nature is part of the poetic tradition. Furthermore, it allows poets like Brion K. Hanks to paint love in compelling, dramatic terms, in order to share heart to heart and spirit to spirit.

Love as Muse

In a similar fashion, the notion that “all’s fair” grants permission to pursue their objects of affection with boldness and creativity. Additionally, it may be inappropriate in other social contexts, given the passion romantic poetry contains. For example, it could be serenading someone outside their window, sending extravagant gifts, or crafting elaborate plans to “win” someone’s heart. These grand romantic gestures are often tolerated, if not celebrated, because they are viewed through poetry.

This way, the muse has inspired countless poets like Brion K. Hanks. Furthermore, lovers throughout history were fueled to take risks, be vulnerable, and make declarations of love, which is not usually done every day. This suspension of normal rules lends love stories and poetry their sense of magic and transcendence.

The Muse as A Powerful Way of Conveying Poetic Love

^{Photo by ALINA MATVEYCHEVA}

Love’s power as a muse lies in its ability to evoke heightened and transformative human emotions. The euphoria of new romance, the ache of unrequited love, and the comfort of a lasting love can connect in passionate ways. Moreover, these deep wellsprings of feeling have motivated poets to reach for loftier, more imaginative language to capture and share the unspeakable.

Through love, what’s ordinary becomes sublime. A lover’s eyes become “twin stars,” and a beloved’s kiss is “sweeter than honey.” Think about it: Art makes people feel like they’re gaining sensations from mere words. This quasi-religious reverence for love aligns with the romantic notions. It’s where poets saw their role in channeling the divine spark of inspiration. By exploring the potential of love, artists like Brion K. Hanks could access a higher plane of creative expression.

The Dangers of Poetic License

Of course, the idea that “all’s fair” is not without its dangers. In both poetry and romance, the poetic license can sometimes cross the line into stalking, harassment, or other unethical behavior. A poet who refuses to accept the subject of their affection’s disinterest, or a suitor who continues to pursue someone who has made it clear they are not interested, is abusing the romantic freedoms that society typically grants.

Ultimately, the poetic license of love and verse must be balanced with respect, consent, and an understanding of boundaries. The magic of love and poetry lies in their ability to transcend the mundane – but not at the expense of others’ well-being and autonomy. Brion K Hanks firmly believes this!

When Do We Wield Poetry Properly?

However, poetry can be a means of expressing love when wielded responsibly. Poets can use their craft to illuminate the interior experiences of romance – the fluttering heartbeats, the mind-altering intoxication, the ache of longing. In doing so, they allow readers to vicariously access emotional landscapes that may be difficult to articulate in everyday language.

The key is to remember that poetry is a gift, not a demand. Showering someone with elaborate romantic verse can be a moving gesture, but only if the recipient has expressed receptiveness to such overtures.

All Is Fair When the Rose Fades

This sentiment speaks to the nostalgic reality that even the most passionate souls cannot maintain their bloom forever. As the glow of infatuation fades, poets may feel like expressing their grief and desperation, far from the conventional stages of such emotions. Yes, it may be unconventional or outright manipulative. But we can’t deny they can be source material for the best poetry. And it’s clearly applicable to masters like Brion K. Hanks.

So, if you are into poetry that connects with your heart and soul, check out “When the Rose Fades and Tales of a Traveler in Poetry and Prose.” Mr. Hanks also has other books you can check out, which contain diverse themes you can enjoy. Go get a copy of them today! www.BrionKHanks-Poetry.com