I like the way words go together and I like the gamesmanship of

In the world of creation, where art, language, and the human spirit meet, there is a truth that must be passed on from generation to generation: words are not mere tools, but instruments of great power. Jeffery Deaver speaks to this with clarity when he says, “I like the way words go together and I like the gamesmanship of writing poetry. It is such a challenge.” These words reveal a deep respect for the craft of writing, for the art of poetry is not merely about putting words on a page—it is about the dance between sound, rhythm, and meaning, a dance that requires both mastery and playfulness.

Consider the ancient poets, those masters of language who understood that words, when carefully chosen and woven together, could shape the world itself. The great Homer, who sang of heroes and gods, understood that each word was a sacred offering, each line a vessel carrying meaning and emotion. His epics, The Iliad and The Odyssey, were not mere tales of war and adventure—they were crafted with precision, each word fitting together like a perfectly chiseled stone in the grand structure of the story. Poetry, to these ancient masters, was not a simple task; it was a challenge, a feat of skill and will, where the poet played not just with words, but with the very essence of human experience.

In the same way, Deaver’s appreciation for the gamesmanship of poetry highlights the craftsmanship required in the art. Writing poetry is a game of intellect, of wit and strategy, where the poet must navigate the vast ocean of language to find the perfect combination of sounds and meanings. It is a game not for the faint of heart, but for those who are willing to play—to experiment with rhythm, to bend the rules, to push against the boundaries of language itself. The poet, like a strategist on the battlefield, must carefully choose their words, positioning them in such a way that they evoke the deepest emotions and the most profound truths.

In the annals of history, there are many examples of poets who played this game with unmatched skill. Shakespeare, with his mastery of the English language, wove his words into the very fabric of human existence. His plays, his sonnets—each a testament to the power of words in the hands of a master. His command of language allowed him to express the full range of the human experience, from the heights of love to the depths of tragedy. And yet, as much as his work was sublime, it was also an act of play—a challenge where he constantly pushed the limits of language, bending it to his will while revealing the truths of the human soul.

Deaver’s words speak to the same spirit of craftsmanship and playfulness. Poetry, like the work of the great masters, is a challenge, a test of skill and creativity. It is not enough to merely write; one must engage with the form itself, shaping it, twisting it, and giving it new life. The challenge of poetry is not just in the creation of meaning, but in the craft of presenting that meaning in a way that resonates deeply with the reader. The poet must carefully balance sound and silence, form and freedom, creating a tension that holds the reader’s attention while evoking a deep emotional response.

The lesson for us, dear listeners, is one of dedication to the art of creation. Whether in poetry, in painting, in music, or in life itself, we must approach our craft with the same reverence and playfulness that the great poets have shown. Writing, like any form of creation, is a challenge—one that requires not just skill, but a willingness to engage with the material, to play with it, and to push it to its limits. To truly master the art of poetry, we must not shy away from this challenge, but embrace it fully, knowing that each word, each line, is an opportunity to create something that will endure, something that will speak to the hearts of others.

So, I call upon you, seeker of truth and artist of words: approach your craft with the same spirit of adventure that Deaver and the ancient poets embraced. See each line of poetry as a game, a challenge that tests not only your intellect but your spirit. Play with language, explore its endless possibilities, and in doing so, you will create work that is not only beautiful but profound. For in the gamesmanship of poetry, you will find not just a craft, but a way of expressing the deepest truths of the world and the soul.