The Oral Tradition
Poetry has been around in one form or another for millennia, but its origin can be traced back to the oral tradition. In its earliest form, the oral tradition would have been the vehicle for the sharing of stories, news and folklore from generation to generation. In the oral tradition, stories and poems were often performed, recited or chanted to a rhythm or a musical accompaniment to enhance the effect. This method of storytelling stands as the foundation of all poetry, regardless of what we might consider as modern-day poetry and even oratorical feats in some cultures.
The Origins of Written Poetry
The earliest written poetry dates back to Mesopotamia, in what is now modern-day Iraq, between 3500 and 3000BC. The Sumerians developed their form of cuneiform writing to record their own language and it is thanks to their writings that many of their stories and poems have survived to this day. Since then, there have been many other forms of writing that have been attributed to poetry: hieroglyphics, runes and of course the Latin alphabet.
Changes in Forms
Throughout its long history, there have been multiple changes in form and style of poetry, to reflect the society and culture it is written in. From the oral, epic poem to the common use of the very popular sonnet form, the types of poetry and the way it has been written, has changed to fit the needs of different societies over time.
The Birth of the Poet Laureate
During the Renaissance period, the position of Poet Laureate was established by Henry VIII to reward important poets of the time for favours or services. This position is still held by poets today.
Modern Poetry
The modern style of poetry has been heavily influenced by the works of the poets of the Romantic period: Guillaume Apollinaire of France, Walt Whitman of the USA and Ezra Pound of the United Kingdom. Their works inspired a new wave of poets, taking the form of slam poetry, spoken word, hip-hop and pop music, with the distinct underlying motifs of politics and social commentary.
The Digital Revolution
The digital age has changed the face of poetry with the ability to access works and collaborate across many platforms online. Communities have grown online, sharing their works, discussing them and providing inspiration to each other. This has only been made easier with the availability of apps and websites specifically geared towards poetry and writing.
Achievements and Futures of Poetry
Over the years, the popularity of poetry has only increased. It has been used as a form of communication in war during the Second World War, as a way of documenting the horrors of conflict, and as a way of expressing political views, through movements such as the Harlem Renaissance. Poetry has also been used as a form of activism, in the form of protest poetry, and has been a powerful tool in creating awareness and galvanizing those who may be ignored or forgotten by the mainstream.
Feminism in Poetry
Feminism has had a large impact on poetry. Famous feminist poets such as Audre Lorde, Adrienne Rich and Maya Angelou are just a few of a long list to revolutionize the poetry world with their unique outlooks and powerful messages about gender, race and privilege. Their works are widely studied and their poetry often quoted to highlight the issues of inequality in our society.
Environmental Poetry
Climate change and the destruction of the environment have become topics of interest in the world of poetry. Authors like Naomi Shihab Nye and Mary Oliver have contributed to the ever-growing collection of environmental writing that urges people to recognize the consequences of environmental destruction and to take action to prevent it. It also serves to highlight the need for empathy with the planet and expose the negative effects of human interference to the natural environment.
Diversity and Inclusivity
The modern poetry world has opened its doors to more diverse voices and more minority writers who, in the past, have not been given the same level of recognition or platform to share their work. This inclusivity has also provided a platform for writers from different backgrounds to share their works, allowing for a better understanding of different cultures, perspectives and beliefs, as well as to celebrate the diversity of the community.
Adaptation
Poetry has long served the purpose of adapting to the times and the needs of the people. Be it a form of communication, a way of expressing political views and activism, or as a way to document the human experience, poetry is ever-evolving, serving as a reflection of our society and of the psyche of the modern age. As our needs and wants change, poetry will forever remain an ever-standing tool of communication, creativity and exploration.
