
This art form called Poetry, is one that is very unique, open to interpretation, and free to just be. I have been a poet for over three decades and I’ve seen much in this time related to poetry. There are so many misconceptions about poetry as well, but all in all, poetry has to be appreciated for what it is and not what it’s trying to be. Poetry doesn’t have to be more of anything else or different. We must appreciate it solely for just being poetry itself.
I personally commend poets that have been in the game here for a long time. I salute you and especially for those great works of art that are completely unknown to the world. Some of the very best works of poetry have never even been published or shared. And I for a long time never shared any of my poetic works, and that was okay. Eventually, I decided that I had a real voice through words and that my poetry could really impact the world for the better. Poets are wordsmiths, poets are artists, and poets also use words to shape the world and convey from a place of inner freedom what needs to be stated on many levels about life and humanity.
So, what I am saying here exactly?…Poetry is often overlooked, not always taken seriously, and even worse not seen as the truly valuable art that it’s always been.. Hence, why many poets and their poetry go unnocticed. Not saying this is the case everywhere, but for the vast majority it is. There are many poets I know that many people don’t even know they exist, and they have work that really needs to be out there. If for nothing more, the good of the world and humanity. They’re many starving or tortured artists out there through various forms of art, creatives at heart, and a real passion for what they possess. But many make no money at all from this passion, and most of the time this has been reduced to a hobby instead. But simply writing a poem doesn’t make you a poet either. It’s a lifestyle, it’s you inside and out from a creative core, it’s on your brain constantly without taking any kind of a vacation. It’s words with real purpose and meaning ,and you being the craftsman that helps shape and manipulate these words in fascinating and unique ways. Poetry is for everyone, but not everyone takes poetry seriously or has the true love and passion for it even when no one is looking at it or reading it. Not all poetry is slammed or performed either, poetry is fine in this way from an entertainment point of view, but nothing will ever beat the purity of original written poetry.
My personal perspective and opinion may or may not be liked or agreed upon, and that is okay. But just know that I’ve always called poetry a home for me and also a sweet escape. I live, eat, and breathe poetry and will never stop doing so. I adore it too much to let it go away, it has become such an intricate and vital part of my life. Poetry is wonderful, and always will be, I just hope that Poetry will one day be valued much more and thanks to all the Poets, that see it for more than just words and lines alone.
PM

4 responses to “Poetry and Poets”
PM
Hey 🙂
PM,
You masterfully encapsulated the fear of so many poets out there who live in mortal fear of presenting their work to the world.
You’re so correct in your assessment. Brother, literally, there is a poet who I consider one of the best ever and who inspired me to get into writing (who I know personally) who hasn’t written more than 6 or 7 poems total. I really do consider that an absolute tragedy. She moved me to pursue an entire craft with just a few poems; imagine how she could’ve influenced the countless others.
Dude, she works in a completely unrelated field now and hasn’t written since.
I’m very glad you took the time to compose this because I’m sure she’s not the only one out there who feels that way.
To anyone out there who’s be graced by what this man said in this post, consider it a divine sign.
Poetry has the power to topple corrupts governments, to mend bridge chasms of generational bitterness, and to inspire lineages of true love. Writing poetry is not about winning a Pulitzer Prize; it’s about becoming a servant in the craft The Maker blessed you with to effectively inspire people to pursue the path divinely intended for them.
Well said, good sir.
Respectfully,
TSP
I appreciate that very much my Brother, and so well stated and relatable what you commented here as well. It is a real shame when a poet doesn’t go full on with poetry. So many greats that have gone completely unknown, never shared with the world, or quite somewhere along the way, no matter what that is a tragedy of epic proportions. Poetry matters more than we all truly realize and always will.