Poetry Roots in Ancient Worlds
Poetry is deeply rooted in human history, for as long as written language has existed, so has poetry. Evidence of early forms of poetry dates back to the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, which is located in modern-day Iraq. Ancient Sumer is the first civilization to have invented writing, and their poetry was recorded as early as the 3rd millennium BCE. This 2,000-year-old poetry was composed of orally-sung verses with interspersed refrains, and many of the ancient poems were written in praise of the gods or to celebrate a victory or a royal marriage.
The early Sumerian lyrics were known as ‘temple hymns’ and often employed metaphors and similes to create a feeling of suspense and convey a mood. This form of poetry was mainly used to outplay stories, describe the daily life of the ancient people and describe the natural environment. Many of these hymns founded the basis for subsequent religious, spiritual, and philosophical poetry.
In addition to Sumer, Ancient Egypt was another civilisation that was fascinated by the written word. From about 3200 BC, hieroglyphics were used to record language and stories, including poems. A well-known example is the ‘Prisencolinensinainciusol’, a 27-line verse about the love between a human and a god. It was written around 1750 BC and is one of the earliest known poems from Ancient Egypt.
Other ancient civilizations that developed an interest in poetic expression include the Ancient Greeks, the Chinese, and other cultures in the Indian Subcontinent. Poetry has also been part of many folk traditions and oral narratives. Before the invention of writing, stories, epics, and other forms of poems were passed on via storytellers and bards and were celebrated in traditional songs and ceremonies.
Modern Poetry
Modern poetry, which includes the poetry of the Middle Ages and Renaissance (14th-17th century), began to emerge in the 17th and 18th centuries, with the advent of Romanticism. During this period, which saw the dawn of a new literary movement, poetry departed from its traditional forms and took on a more personal and emotive nature.
In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution brought about a whole new cultural and social landscape, leading to an unprecedented flourishing of literature, including poetry. Writers such as Tennyson and Dickens challenged existing conventions with innovative themes and ideas. Victorian poetry was marked by a strong sense of morality, virtue and tradition, helmed by patriotic values.
The late 19th and early 20th century saw a wave of modernist and postmodernist poetry, which became increasingly experimental and influenced by the visual arts. This period spawned the Imagism movement, spearheaded by Ezra Pound and Amy Lowell, which focused on simplicity and clarity of language and aimed to strip away all unnecessary words and details.
Today, a vast array of poets write in a huge range of styles and forms. Some of the most widely read contemporary poets include Seamus Heaney, Philip Larkin, T.S Eliot and Charlotte Mew. Poetry has become even more popular in recent years, with the rise of spoken-word poetry and the increasing use of social media and the internet.
The Power of Poetry
The power of poetry lies in its ability to evoke emotions and connect people with universal themes and experiences. Poetry is a form of communication that transcends language and culture, and it has been used for centuries to express feelings, thoughts and ideas from one person to another. It is also a powerful tool for self-reflection, allowing readers to explore their innermost thoughts and feelings.
Poetry has the potential to influence and inspire a wide range of people and can be used to enlighten and educate. Through its use of lyricism, rhythm and vivid imagery, poetry can also help to boost creativity and stir emotions. Poetry is an excellent vehicle to connect people, especially in times of social unrest, as it can help to bridge divides and encourage constructive dialogue.
The Influence of Politics and Culture
Politics and culture has had a strong influence on the evolution of poetry, with many of the key works of literature being shaped by the author’s socio-economic background. In the 16th and 17th centuries, court poets were commonplace in Europe, and their works were often highly decorated with classical allusions and rhymes, intended to flatter their patrons. During this period, poets such as Hugh O’Neill, John Donne and Christopher Marlowe wrote political satires that challenged the status quo and explored themes of gender, power and class.
In the 20th century, the rise of the modernist movement saw the emergence of poets who used their work to question age-old assumptions and challenge traditional ideas. One of the most famous examples of modernist poetry is T.S. Eliot’s ‘The Waste Land’, which was heavily influenced by the aftermath of World War I and the awareness of the dawn of industrialisation.
Race and Poetry
The issue of race has also had a considerable impact on the development of poetry. African American poets such as Langston Hughes, Claude McKay and Jean Toomer were among the earliest poets to address racial injustice and explore the experience of being black in a white-dominated world. Their works, written between the early 20th century and the mid-1960s, broke new ground for African American poetry and offered new perspectives on the African diaspora.
In subsequent years, many other poets and artists of colour have continued to explore issues of race and racism through their work, from Oscar-winner Lin Manuel Miranda’s musical ‘Hamilton’ to Adrienne Rich’s collection of feminist poetry, ‘Diving into the Wreck’.
Politics and Technology
With the evolution of technology, the way in which we consume and share poetry has changed dramatically. Social media and the internet has allowed poets to share their work with a global audience. Platforms such as Instagram and YouTube have become a hub for new and emerging poets, while other online networks, such as Poetry.com, have made it easier than ever to discover and connect with likeminded people.
Poetry is also being used to explore a new range of topics and themes, from gender studies to mental health and climate change. A new wave of ‘activist poets’ are using their words to not only challenge existing systems of power, but also to galvanise action among their readers.
The Future of Poetry
The future of poetry looks bright. It is a universal language that can be used to engage and inspire the next generation, and to open the door to new possibilities and perspectives. New technologies and digital platforms will continue to shape the way in which we experience and interact with poetry, but at its core, it will remain a powerful and timeless way of conveying emotion, beauty and truth.
