Synopsis "Under Watchful Eyes"
We can easily think of the act of seeing and of being seen as perfectly normal, even banal to thepoint of harmlessness. Of course, none of us will pass unnoticed, and we must not only use oureyes, but also our imagination, to view the world, aware that at any moment we venture close totreasures, and to dangers.Perhaps at the right moment we will open our eyes and minds, and find the joy our world offers, and which we can offer to others. Introduction from "Under Watchful Eyes" A poem should not exist simply as words on a page. It should allow the reader to bring the words to life by reading it aloud, and inspire the reader's imagination to interpret it in multiple ways. We often associate poetry with music, and a reader will find different ways to recite a poem, to allow the sounds to have an impact. Indeed, many actors and actresses refine their vocal skills by reading poetry. The reader will furthermore create images of the poem, visualize the scene presented or the story told. A poem can take on a photographic or cinematic quality, as readers close their eyes and see myriad scenes unfold, and each reading can allow a new creative experience.Unsurprisingly, the visual arts can easily fascinate poets. A photograph, a painting, a sculpture, or a movie can cause poets to spend hours pondering them, seeking to understand these works and find a new meaning each time. So too must a poem's words trigger a response, one that results from the refinement and wit of the poem, but more importantly, because the ideas expressed do not allow the reader to remain indifferent. They remain to be recalled again and again, as each time the reader finds pleasure and insight, and at times must also recognize that we cannot avoid the sorrows in our lives, but accept the full impact they will have on us.
