Rediscovering the magic power of poetry

The problem with poetry is that people take it too seriously or not seriously enough. Nor do people give poets their due (writing a good poem is darned hard work) mainly because poets don’t earn much actual money from poetry; or only indirectly. Historically, some poets have achieved the status of gods or pop idols, but for most poetry is an anagram of poverty with no V for victory.

Except the joy of sharing. As the inimitable Ogden Nash said:

         Poets aren’t very useful
         Because they aren’t consumeful or very produceful

Poets instead are obsessed with the three constituents of poetry, used singly or in any mix. The idea. The observation. The emotion. Poetry is about one or all of these: it cannot be about anything else.

Poetry is taught dutifully in schools, and rediscovered generationally by turbulent adolescents. It’s a passing infatuation for most, a lifelong passion for some. There’s ongoing debate about whether it works better on the page or in performance. You’ll have your own preferences: words that came alive for you, and stay with you forever.

Does poetry have a purpose? I think so, and agree entirely with Robin Williams’ speech in Dead Poets Society (a film worth viewing to remind you of poetry’s power):

         We don’t read and write poetry because
         it’s cute. We read and write poetry
         because we are members of the human race.
         And the human race is filled with passion.
         And medicine, law, business, engineering,
         these are noble pursuits and necessary to
         sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance,
         love, these are what we stay alive for.

Even those most resistant to poetry usually have a quote or two tucked away somewhere that has significant meaning for them. My Dad was fond of If by Kipling. I regard Living Here by Cilla McQueen as THE quintessential New Zealand poem. As Carl Sandburg said:

         Poetry is a packsack of invisible keepsakes.

Those keepsakes were made audible if not visible on Montana Poetry Day this year, a special occasion not to be missed when words come alive throughout New Zealand. When we gather together to listen and to perform, we begin to understand what Dennis Gabor claimed to be true:

         Poetry is plucking at the heartstrings,
         and making music with them.

That’s what makes poetry readings with Open Mike so special, so whenever you get the opportunity, do put your name down to share something of your own - or another’s - words or music. The best poetry has its own rhythms, of course, and lyrics are a different kind of ‘poetry’ meant to be blended with a different kind of ‘rhythm’ – the music that turns them into song.

Are there regular poetry evenings or words with music in your home town? If so, rejoice in your good fortune support them regularly. I’ll end with one final quote, from Joseph Joubert, to remind you of the purpose of such occasions:

         You will find poetry nowhere unless
         you bring some of it with you.

Note: A version of this article appeared as The Write Place column in The Bay of Plenty Times on Saturday 18th July 2009.

For details of the Diploma in Creative Writing go to http://ctc.waiariki.ac.nz.