Poets across centuries and cultures have developed structures for their poems. Haiku, ballad, sonnet.
Poets especially in the 1950s and 1960s explored something called free verse—that is, no outside structure.
The teacher of poetry writing at university explained how easy it is to get lost in free verse. The poet must discover an internal structure to effectively express themselves.
Some people have expressed that they wish a life totally free from constraints. “That is freedom,” they proclaim.
Just like the early free verse poets (ever tried to read Allen Ginsberg?), total freedom so easily drifts into meaninglessness. One becomes subject to whim, suggestion, cravings. No purpose. No value.
Some constraints actually allow for creativity and true freedom to live a fulfilled life. I’ll try to start your thinking.
- Consistent sleep times
- Consistent exercise
- Regular (for you) work times
- Ability and courage to say no
- Solid moral foundation
Can you add more?
