Written by PSNY Member Julie Hogg
Considering we all at one time or another feel deeply and perhaps wonder about the ways to express this let me make the case for poetry; the real question today is not why poetry but why NOT poetry?
Poetry by its very definition (Oxford dictionary) is: “A literary work in which special intensity is given to the expression of feelings and ideas by the use of distinctive style and rhythm.” Feelings are defined as “that which a person feels in regard to something based on emotion or intuition and not solely on reason.” If we are all human with many shared experiences and emotions then by this logic, poetry is for you. Let me prove it to you.
Poetry for: Those Under The Moon
Let's begin with the Persian lyric poet Hafiz with these words
"Spare the candle, friends.
In tonight's celebration,
my beloved is a Moon.
A very full one."
For centuries, hasn't the full moon enchanted those under its spell?
Poetry for: Those That Delight In Nature
Not to jump to the obvious but why let a day go by without a snippet from the beloved poet Mary Oliver? Her delicious words...
"At Blackwater Pond the tossed waters have settled after a night of rain. I dip my cupped hands, I drink a long time. It tastes like stone, leaves, fire. It falls cold into my body waking my bones..."
Take that travel blogger! Let's think! Let's explore the nuance of words beyond the mere iPhone snapshot of "Paradise" I want to hear your heart.
Poetry for: Those Romantics Among Us
What dating app can come close to Edna St. Vincent Millay ASHES OF LIFE
"Love has gone and left me and the days are all alike;
Eat I must and sleep I will, --and would that night were here!
But ah! to lie awake and hear the slow hours strike!
Would that it were day again---with twilight near!"
That's so much better than "ghosting" isn't it?
Poetry for: Those Who Love Their Animal Friends
Robert Frost took us to the very heart of an experience with "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" with all of today’s dedication to nature and one's animal friends how more lovely to describe one's horse pal than:
"He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake."
Poetry for: Those Calling For Justice
What poems will emerge out of the current events of today? What better way to express the deep feelings and sentiment of one's cause? The blood, sweat and tears of the past can get us started. Read the heart wrenching poem "Ballad of Birmingham" by Dudley Randall for starters.
Poetry for: Those Seeking Solace
Of all the moments of our time, where we find ourselves alive, now is the time for poetry.
“Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; All Your waves and billows have gone over me” (Psalm 42:7).
Poetry for: Those Remembering Home
Describing the land of her ancestors Bell Hooks in her elegy on Appalachia says in part ..."Listen little sister, angels make their hope... here in these hills."
Have you too experienced any of the above?
Most of our feelings are Universal, meaning we have all felt them! So embrace the amazing sentiments of others who see and feel things and put them into words for us and then write something of your particular experience that only you can describe.
In the words of Emily Dickinson and very timely I would say for those thinking they need the attention and fanfare of "friends" on FB "I’m Nobody! Who are you? Are you--Nobody--too? Then there's a pair of us! Don't tell they'd advertise you know! How dreary to be Somebody! How public-like a Frog! To tell one's name--the livelong June--to an admiring Bog!"
Enjoy the wisdom and courage of those who have come before us but forge your own path and start to write with expression. You too can become a voice for the masses. Begin today. If not your voice then who's?
Writer Bio:
Julie writes fun, light, encouraging poetry for the masses, you can find her work in books by Poets Choice.