What is there to love about poetry?
This piece was originally posted on Instagram and is reposted with edits.
Just as you shouldn’t ask a barber if you’re in need of a haircut, be warned when reading a poet’s reasons why you should love poetry. In truth, I’ve seen so many lives changed by the magic of poetry, including my own, that I couldn’t resist sharing a few of the benefits of poetry here on the blog.
1. Poetry makes people brave.
I have heard people share unbelievable stories through their poems. It is rare to leave a poetry event without seeing teardrops buzz in the corners of eyes. Be it at a small poetry event, in a global publication, or through the screenshots of drafts we send each other, poetry helps silent people speak.
Image credit: MC Media Studios.
2. Poetry heals.
When life, work, or the world gets gloomy, I turn to reading and writing poetry as a way of unravelling my thoughts and emotions. All the poets I know have found the same to be true. The process of crafting words to express my most personal experiences serves as a time of deep introspection into exactly what I want to say, and why I want to say it.
3. Poetry is easy.
I’m not kidding! Poetry can be anything you want it to be. There are so many options when it comes to writing your own poetry, and you can choose all, some, or none of the structures and techniques to help you express yourself in an utterly unique way.
If a child just starting school can create a poem, so can you.
4. Poetry is beautiful.
It is beautiful in its words, their shape on the page, and their sounds. Its patterns and secret messages are satisfying and addictive. It is also beautiful in what it does to people, the way it brings us together, bridges gaps across continents, cultures, and centuries.
Let me know in the comments: What do you love about poetry?
Why do you write?
Watch my TEDx talk from 2022 for even more reasons why you should write a poem or two.