By:Anjali
Poetry is an expression of thoughts composed for universal interpretation, which varies from reader to reader. It has been an aesthetic portrayal of tragedy and happiness alike, a literary representation of human emotions. Some great poets have been born from the hardship of their lives. Some have crafted the beauty of love, and others, the silence of their mind into a few rhythmic lines. As a reader, we hold the strength to fabricate our meaning from the same. Its beauty lies in the aura of mystery encompassing it. For, the only one holding potential to decode its sheer meaning would be the poet themselves.
English literature is commendably fuelled by poets, who’ve managed to fit more in a few lines than one could in a book. The power they hold in their hands has given one company at the most nebulous point of their lives.
However, it’s essential to note that all of the poetry doesn’t dwell in sadness or guilt. It’s a never-ending ocean of countless emotions which would replicate the walks of human life. Furthermore, it also covers the unchartered territory of death and reincarnation. Some have projected that the afterlife is not a monster’s abyss but the destination of eternal love. Others have talked about the immortality of one’s soul, and some about the void death leaves behind. A few have left behind a note for their perished beloved.
I have a confession to make.
It wouldn’t be fair of me to only talk about the artistic representation of tragedy. In such a scenario, I would limit the true beauty and versatility of poetry to numbness. If, as the reader, I coaxed you into believing that sadness is the only poetic emotion, you might recite the wrong poem while proposing your other half in an old-fashioned classic way. Hopefully, roses, a romantic brunch, and rendered verse are your way to go.
Was this an attempt at a subtle joke? I suppose so. However, parallel relatability is a more appropriate term.
Romanticism in poetry is not confined to two individuals setting up a picnic basket and lying on a groundsheet; neither is it restricted to the dynamic concept of “modern love” among Homosapiens.
“Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit, the vines that round the thatch-eaves run;”
Do the above lines ring a bell? If not, the following is a work of John Keats. Perhaps, his best. The poem focuses on the beauty of Autumn and how it is an underappreciated poetic topic. Is this a poem from the grand era of romanticism? If you guessed yes, then you are precise. I assume you would’ve also connected dots as to why it appeared in this article. The best way to explain the aspects of romanticism would be to attest a piece from the same. Here’s a fun fact, death is also a significant part of the romantic era. It has been portrayed as the beginning of a new life, in paraphrased words: a beacon of hope.
I’ve realized that if I go on a quest to explain the different genres, this might become a never-ending literary piece. Therefore, I’d like to wind up this list of classifications with my personal favorite: Satire. If you are drowsy or find yourself losing touch with your conscience, a satire might help you get right back on track.
Human nature is vile, and somewhere along the line, we have unintentionally or willfully hurt our environment or others around us. In this case, certain poets have managed to play with words and create a realm of self-introspection. They do so by taking critical topics and discussing them to admonish the reader, compelling them to reflect on their action. A few individuals might say that satire is about ridiculing an individual’s weakness or a community’s fault but, I firmly believe that the aim at the end of the prime is to prevent people from doing something destructive.
It would be righteous of you to ask:
Is poetry the mere written representation of expressive thoughts? If so, how does it significantly impact and help our society? How can it stop us from drowning in this overwhelming community? How can it be our anchor?
Poetry teaches us to appreciate the world around us. It teaches us to be better than what we are. It is a protective blanket for those who despise themselves, a solace for those who couldn’t say goodbye to the departed. Poetry has always brought this peace with itself. It’s not easy to understand a poem, but it’s always easy to understand its essence. As people in this fast and steady digital world, it is our anchor to reality.
I won’t tell you to read a poem if that’s not something you would do, but you can create your reality where you get to express your thoughts and remember the person you are. Poetry teaches us so much more than we think. It teaches us to live and appreciate those around us. It teaches us the essence of life. This, world poetry day, look within you. Appreciate yourself and the world around you, and always remember:
“You are the master of your fate,
the captain of your soul.”
What’s stopping you? Get a piece of paper, your fanciest pen, get rid of your phone, and write your heart out. Remember who you set out to be.
Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Have an amazing year ahead.
*leaves the podium in silence*
