Bijou Poems

While the HTML version of this poem contains the same words and sentences than the page image poem, the format of each differ so much that I did in fact read them differently. The page image was much easier for me to read, because each sentence ended on the same line and there were defined stanza cuts, whereas in the HTML version, stanzas were cut irregularly, throwing the tone of the poem off. It is the tone of every poem that helps the reader smoothly read through its passage and interpret its meaning correctly, or in the perspective the author wishes us to view it. Page image was a lot more similar to the TEI encoded version, because both versions have defined stanzas and sentences that start and finish on the same line. Though I have to admit, the encoded version is very confusing, but still the format is more definate than the HTML version.

It is my preference to read the poem on the page, or in page image. Digitalizing poems rearranges it in ways to emphasize a new meaning or to make one more apparent, but I fail to see the real importance of it. It is hard to see the poem as it should be--how the author wrote it. Digitalizing it almost makes it new, and therefore a poem authored by the digitzer. A poem that loses its format would lose its voice and tone, and that is why I appreciate the TEI encoded version, because even though it is confusing, it holds true the poem's stanzas and sentances. But call me old fashion, I enjoy reading a poem upon a page. Not only is it how the author intended, but the fresh smell of a newly opened book stimulates my excitement in reading it, a scent that contributes to the poem's/author's aim in writing the poem--moreso than what digitalizing poems would do.