Feelings About Poetry

Poetry is being written in large numbers, but scarcely discussed. I feel poetry is not read carefully, but literally. The flaws in the nature of reading a poetic piece turn into the general discourse that leaves the poet aside. The words are no doubt important, the essence of poetry is in the poet’s nature of artistic craft which transforms the words into important notes; just like the notes in a musical piece. 

Reading poetry is enjoyable and cumbersome too! The poetic beauty branches through a world imagined or experienced by the poet. Too often, the creative branches of poetry are shaved off and recited in a barren tone. Unfortunate, for the poet who has taken the risk of creating a narrative with artistic flair. It is a grave injustice when a piece of poetry is read like an emotionless notice that appears in a newspaper. 

Even while experimenting with various poetic styles, the very nature of poetry is stripped of the real essence with the impatient eyes. The response to a poetic piece has become mundane and generic (there is no poetic flavour in the reply to a poetic piece). The unimaginative answers do not add any further meaning but leave poetry with its fate. It’s this malefic fate that makes poetry less attractive in a creative sense, but ironically, the allure to compose one remains undiminished.

When the personal nature of poetry meets the world, it fails to adapt to the mere glances and does not evolve beyond those words. As a reader of poetry how far one can go to understand the deepest feelings of a poet? It is impossible if one does not cultivate the art of reading poetry. How many types of poetry do you read? Do you really delve into the history of literature and poetic culture?

The culture of poetry is not born of a modern phenomenon of penning down something hastily. Poetry is a vast world to explore! The way language is used in poetry is a creative ritual to chronicle history, as well as, to communicate at the social milieu to inform, entertain, and reinforce the importance of culture and rituals. Poetry has a magical effect on the busy minds- to inspire, inform, heal, and provoke latent feelings. The human spirit is revived by the art of poetry!

Of late, there is an erroneous dependency of poetry that is evident from the rushed tone. The missing spirit of poetry and poetic cadence diminish the spirit of poetic fervour. A piece of poetry will be perceived as it is presented. Let me quote Ben Jonson (English playwright, poet, and literary critic) “Language most shows a man; speak that I may see thee”.

Memories and culture cannot be trivialized, but only enhanced by the poetic language, to transform into a magical mirror to reflect on the deepest feelings. The rhythm of poetry should be drunk on the nature of feelings and the passion insane enough to pull the reader into the world created by the poet.

To understand the culture and historical event, poetry is a very potent medium. A poet will defy the world to compose poetry, with them suffering the censure of an exasperated world. Both, history and personal turmoil, are capable of transforming that poetic desire to extraordinary creativity.

The magic of poetry is perennial! It is the most enjoyable experience to read poetry and understand the world we so desperately understand, as well as, relinquish. Poetry is the bridge between the fierce opposites!

~Amitav