Poetry in Action: Verse and Narration in Everyday Communication
Poetry in Action: Verse and Narration in Everyday Communication

Summary/Abstract: This paper considers the rich vein of less formal, mostly unofficial poetry, referred to as folk poetry and poetry in action, composed by bards and rhymesters in Wales, c. 1870–2005, and inspired particularly by everyday events and incidents within their own communities. In discussing the nature of this folk poetry, seven factors are mentioned. i. It is a social activity. ii. It is an activity which belongs to all people. iii. It may relate to all aspects of life. iv. Its forms are very numerous and non-static. v. It is, in essence, an oral activity. vi. It communicates messages in a direct and colourful manner, with the emphasis on narration and communication. vii. Folk poetry is functional, applied poetry. The paper concludes by offering brief answers to two questions: i. What is the value of folk poetry activity to members of the community? ii. What is the value to the ethnologist of studying folk poetry?

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