Introduction
The pandemic has had an unprecedented effect on the entire world. It has drastically changed the way many of us interact, collaborate, and express ourselves. Poetry, particularly, has experienced a transformation due to the current global climate, as many poets have had to adjust their processes and consider how their work is interpreted by readers. From how long a poem can be to the words used, it is clear that poets and creative writers must consider the world we are now living in, and how the pandemic has impacted their craft.
The Importance of Poetry
Poetry is often seen as just something people write when they are feeling lovey dovey about someone else, but it can also be used as a powerful tool for expression and conveyance of ideas. Though it might have changed in the last year, its impact and importance is undeniable. It is especially helpful during challenging times, as many poets can serve to capture the feeling of the moment and express that through their craft. During this pandemic, poetry has become a way of capturing its collective impact on the entire world.
Impact on Poets
This pandemic has had a profound effect on the day-to-day lives of poets. They have had to make substantial adjustments, perhaps having to pour more energy into how they construct and share their work, due to the lack of live events or access to workshops or studios. Some creative writers are turning to online platforms to get their work out there, while others may be making use of publications, going entirely “old-school” with printed material, and some are relying on digital platforms to get their work out into the world.
Effects on Poetry Writing Style
As a result of the pandemic, many poets may be adjusting their writing styles. For example, many people have turned to shorter pieces due to the nature of online platforms and how our minds process information differently in this “new normal”. Writing shorter pieces may also provide writers with the opportunity to explore different topics and ideas in their work, or reflect on their own thoughts and feelings in a way that is more meaningful and concise.
Increased Popularity
Some of the positive effects of the pandemic on poetry include its increased popularity. This may be due to the increase in online platforms and resources for poets, as well as its potential to provide immense comfort for people in a time full of uncertainty. The spread of the pandemic has led to more people using poetry to share their stories and unite with others through their shared experiences.
The Future of Poetry
It is difficult to predict what will happen to poetry in the future, as the pandemic continues to evolve. Though it has changed considerably over the last year, it is likely that poetry will hold a special place in individuals’ lives as a way to express themselves in a meaningful manner and reflect on their own contexts. Poets may even take this newfound knowledge and inspiration they have gained and bring their craft to new heights.
The Benefits and Challenges of Writing Remotely
With the new restrictions, one of the major challenges faced by poets is the difficulty of meeting and collaborating with other writers, through virtual or physical workshops. On the flip side, writers now have the opportunity to write remotely, and there are some benefit to this. Remote writing can help writers create a more focused and consistent workflow as they can skip out on the daily distractions, like commuting to and from workshops. Additionally, writers have found that writing remotely has provided them with more time, allowing them to take advantage of their creativity and craft more unique pieces.
Writing for Different Platforms
As mentioned, the pandemic has increased the use of digital platforms for poets to share their work and gain an audience. With the different platforms available, poets and writers must be aware of how their words and messages will be interpreted in each space. For example, Twitter only allows users to post in 280 characters or less, so poets must adjust their style to accommodate this platform. On the other hand, Instagram has fewer restrictions on both text and visuals, providing an opportunity for a more creative and engaging text or piece.
Creativity in a Time of Crisis
The pandemic has no doubt been hard on everyone, but it has also allowed writers to muster up creativity and express themselves in new ways. Although the majority of a writer’s work still needs to take place within the mind, this pandemic has opened up a new set of possibilities and sparked new ideas, while also bringing writers out of their comfort zone and encouraging stories from alternate perspectives.
Increased Accessibility
Finally, the more digital elements of writing have opened up the door for all kinds of readers and writers to have access to new materials and media, even if those readers and writers have limited access to resources. With digital publishing, poets from across the globe are now able to connect with each other, creating a more expansive network for sharing ideas and collaborating in poets’ works.
