Academics pore over definition of prose poetry.

Dubai: The issue of prose poetry remains a problematic and controversial topic on the cultural scene, according to academics speaking on the fifth day of the Dubai International Poetry Festival (DIPF).

The prose poem has long elicited mixed views with many critics arguing its increasing prominence. Poets discussed the issue yesterday during a critical discussion entitled "Prose Poem: What's Next?" at the Madinat Theatre.

Dr Salih Al Huwaidi, a lecturer at the American University of Sharjah, said a number of new trends of criticism had emerged in recent years.

He said: "New poetic forms have led to a decline in traditional forms of poetry. Many of the dialogues filling the cultural scene are actually useless and we are left wondering if there is anything new we can contribute.

"However, we must not be restricted to one ideology and only see poetry in black and white terms. We must force ourselves away from this dominant thought and become free to consider the defamiliarisation process. The underlying issue is whether this is a crisis of poetry or a crisis of the poet?"

Prose poetry is generally considered a form of poetry written in prose that breaks some of the normal rules associated with prose discourse for heightened imagery or emotional effect. Critics continue to argue about the genre.

Al Nisr Publishing LLC 2009. All rights reserved.

Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company