Archaic Language or References in Poetry

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Some time ago, a friend commented that a number of my poems where, in his view a little old fashioned in their use of language and references.  When I asked him for an example, he sighted my not infrequent references to “the Reaper” and “the Grim Reaper”. At that juncture I was somewhat taken off guard and did not, so far as I can recollect provide my friend with a coherent response to his comments on my poetry. However, a little while after the conversation with him took place, I happened to hear Blue Oyster Cult’s “Baby Don’t Fear” playing, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy4HA3vUv2c&list=RDDy4HA3vUv2c&start_radio=1

 

Whilst I certainly would never advocate that poets go back to writing in the style of the Elizabethans, or to that of the Victorians, I don’t believe that writers of poetry should be constrained in their poetic creations by what some people hold to be archaic references or language should they choose to employ such references or vocabulary. I, for one shall continue to engage with my old acquaintance the Reaper, for we are on nodding terms having met whilst I spent some 6 weeks in the Walton Neuro Centre after having under gone an operation for the removal of a brain abscess.

 

You can find a video of me reading my poem “time”, which references the Reaper here Time

 

For “Passing Through: Some Thoughts on Life and Death”, which was written primarily during my stay in hospital, please visit Passing Through: Some thoughts on life and death: Amazon.co.uk: Morris, K: 9798284279151: Books

15 thoughts on “Archaic Language or References in Poetry”

    1. K Morris Poet's avatarK Morris Poet Post author

      You are of course right, Liz. But even if the use of the term “Grim Reaper”, or “Reaper”, had faded into the past, it would still be a matter for writers to determine whether the wished to employ such language. I think sometimes there is a mania for being “modern”, just for the sake of being “down with the kids” so to speak. But poetry is about timeless things such as beauty and life and death, not passing fads.

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      2. K Morris Poet's avatarK Morris Poet Post author

        I must confess to not knowing what boomer means. I get very confused with generation Z, gen X Etc. I am now 56 but although I have, I hope accumulated some wisdom over the years, I don’t (usually) feel my age. Many thanks as ever for commenting, Liz

      4. K Morris Poet's avatarK Morris Poet Post author

        Thank you for explaining the term baby boomer, Liz. There seems to be a mania in the modern world for labelling and categorising everything, including we humans!

        Kevin

      5. Liz Gauffreau's avatarLiz Gauffreau

        You’re welcome, Kevin. I agree with you about the mania for labelling people and putting them in boxes. I hate the Myers Briggs personal assessment tool with a purple passion.

  3. V.M.Sang's avatarV.M.Sang

    I see nothing wrong with using archaic language. So many words have disappeared, or not frequently used. But although that is my feeling, apparently, more people cleverer than I am, state it’s not changed, almost for ever.

    But you hardly hear some words, and occasionally there will be lists of words that have disappeared completely from the language.

    Yes, new ones appear, but they are often to do with technology these days.

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    1. K Morris Poet's avatarK Morris Poet Post author

      Thank you for your thoughtful comments, Vivienne. Language does, of course evolve, but it’s development should not mean that we have to be “modern” and stop using well used words. ev

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