For more than centuries, poetry has been an integral part of our cultures and societies around the world. From the ancient epic poems of Homer to the free verse of two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Robert Frost, poetry provides a unique and powerful way to express a range of emotions and experiences. But why do people write poetry? To answer this question, we need to understand what makes poetry so special.
Often regarded as a form of artistic expression, poetry is inherently different from other written forms such as prose and plays. What makes poetry distinct is its ability to use the written word in a non-literal way. It can take the most mundane or ordinary words, and with rhythm and rhyme, transform them into something meaningful and beautiful. Poetry, therefore, provides a valuable platform for self-expression – something that other forms may not allow.
Experts agree that creative writing is a growing trend, particularly among young people. For many, poetry provides a way to connect with themselves and their surroundings. It is also a powerful outlet for emotions and ideas, allowing people to express difficult issues or experiences in a safe space. Through poetry, people are able to explore and articulate what they feel and think.
Another factor in why people write poetry is the increased accessibility of writing tools. With the help of technology, poets are able to start writing, publish and even perform their work quickly and easily. This rise in the number of venues for creative self-expression has played an important role in inspiring and motivating aspiring poets to produce meaningful work.
Finally, writing poetry is an ideal way to connect with an audience. Through emotion and symbolism, a poet can craft a powerful story that can strike a chord with the listener. Poetry can act as a motivational and inspirational tool, encouraging others to explore unseen possibilities or take action to better their lives and the lives of others.
The Power of Words
Poetry can be a powerful statement that is both healing and transformative by leveraging the power of words. When written from the heart, it can move people in the most unexpected way. The written word has the extraordinary capacity to open the mind and transport readers to another world. When a poem is read aloud, listeners have an opportunity to hear the thoughts, emotions, and experiences of the author.
Moreover, poetry is a personal reflection that can capture the essence of love, joy, and grief typically as a symbol of an experience, emotion, or relationship. It is a deeply meaningful way to communicate our beliefs and values in a way that is often too difficult to express through words. For example, Patrick’s Mbaye’s poem, ‘Life’s Power’ captures the bittersweetness of the human experience in a short verse:
“Life can be a source of bliss
But can, too, be the cause of pain.
An opportunity we must seize
In whom lies its power.”
By combining just a few words, Mbaye is able to convey his thoughts on humanity’s existence and our autonomy in determining our own lives – a message that has the potential to be life-changing.
The Rise of Poetry Slams
In recent years, poetry slams have gained immense popularity. Rising in the late 1980s, the poetry slam consists of a slam master who oversees the event and participants who compete to win by performing a poem. It provides an informal forum for poets to share their work with an audience and receive immediate feedback.
In Australia, National Slam Finals have been taking place every year since 2009. The format of the slam is simple; each poet has two minutes to read their poem and they are judged on a score out of ten. Prizes can include cash, publication, and performance opportunities. These events are an incredible way to connect the community and build creative confidence – an invaluable opportunity for poets to strive for excellence and share the joy of self-expression.
From the perspective of Ferald Jose, poet and former two-time National Poetry Slam Winner, “poetry slams can create a sense of camaraderie amongst writers and provide a space to showcase the immense diversity of creative ideas and philosophies”. As more poetry slams are popping up around the country and the world, there is a growing awareness of the art form and the rewards that come with writing poetry.
The Benefits of Writing Poetry
Writing poetry can have a variety of positive effects on both our mental and physical health. Firstly, it can be a powerful vehicle for personal expression as it has the potential to tell a story or evoke an emotion, thereby allowing for a deeper understanding of one’s self. Furthermore, the creative process of writing rhyming verse or studying poetic styles can help to sharpen critical thinking skills. Finally, the practice of writing poetry can help to reduce stress, as it provides an effective avenue for the release of feelings that are not easily expressed in conversation.
By investing in this form of creative practice, people can learn to better identify and manage emotions. As Benjamin Zephaniah, an esteemed British poet, once said, “Poetry is a safe way of escaping into a world of creative expression, being able to be an artist, a dancer, a writer, a poet all within the space of two minutes!” Creating art in this way is not only liberating, but can also be a powerful form of self-therapy.
The Rebirth of Poetry
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of collaborative poetry groups, open mic events and poetry readings. Poetry slams have given a way for writers to find their ‘poetic voice’, and compete for deservingly deserved recognition in the community. As a result, people of all ages have come together to share their stories and experiences in ways that could never have been possible before.
Through globalisation, the internet has solidified poetry’s digital footprint; inspiring millions around the world to ignite their passion for writing. As proof, platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube have enabled writers to reach an audience of millions, creating an interrelated network of poets that has the capacity to revolutionise the art form.
For many, the written word has become a powerful form of communication and connection in an age where technology has replaced face-to-face dialogue. Through powerful story-telling and imaginative word play, the power of poetry is alive and well today.
The Relevance of Poetry in the 21st Century
In the age of rapid advances in modern technology, poetry remains a much-needed monument in our lives. It provides a creative outlet for people struggling with personal battles, and a platform for self-expression. Furthermore, it can foster important connections within the community. After all, the human experience is complex and often difficult to express through words; poetry provides a unique way to take on this challenge.
A great example of a poet who has used their craft to explore difficult topics is 21-year-old British poet, Fife Akindeyemi. In her poem, ‘We Don’t Talk’, she engages her readers in a moving reflection on the pressures faced by young adults:
“We don’t talk about our fears,
Partly because we’re scared to,
Partly because we’re too busy,
Climbing walls and pretending everything is great,
Old enough to do the adult things but
Still kids in our heads.”
In this dark but powerful poem, Akindeyemi has encapsulated a sentiment felt by many young people in today’s world – a sentiment that, through the medium of poetry, can be shared and understood.
The Future of Poetry
As the world continues to evolve and deepen in complexity, people will continue to look to poetry as a source of solace. Increasingly, the written word has become a deeply meaningful form of communication and artistry. Today, more than ever, writers are encouraged and motivated to write boldly and truthfully about topics as diverse as love, war, race, and injustice.
This is an exciting time for poets, as the near-unlimited access to tools and resources has allowed aspiring and professional writers to take their craft to even greater heights. In the 21st century, the art of writing poems is experiencing a revival on the global stage, and its potential for impact is ever-growing.
Conclusion
Throughout centuries, poetry has provided a platform for expression and exploration. In today’s digital age, this is especially true. Poetry enables people to link thought and feeling, as well as better understand themselves, as it has the ability to evoke an emotion and tell a story in such a short and simple yet powerful way. It is, therefore, no surprise that people continue to write poetry.
