Last Wednesday, many across the country and the world were introduced to Amanda Gorman for the first time when she recited her poem “The Hill We Climb” at the presidential inauguration. I had previously encountered her poetry online and appreciate her effective oratorical style. I am also grateful that we have a first Youth Poet Laureate. I hope we will have many more. It’s critical that we continue to support the expressive arts in this country, even as so many in leadership are pushing schools to focus on STEM or STEAM.
The importance of effective communication cannot be downplayed as we move out of an era in America’s history when rhetoric became far too effective a vehicle for misinformation. Whether as individuals exploring our own lives and experiences, or through sharing the fruit of those experiences in more public ways, the use of poetry remains an important element of a life well-lived, rather than just endured.
Yet poetry is, in many ways, under siege. A friend of mine is a full professor of creative writing at a public university that is facing such severe financial strain that they plan to lay off as many as 100 tenured faculty, including my friend, who primarily teaches (and successfully publishes) poetry. Most of the layoffs will be in the Humanities, in large part because society is clamoring for more STEM.
Yet we need poetry, at every stage in our lives. Over the past half-dozen years, I have been honored to support (write blurbs about, provide photos for) a dear friend who has used poetry to help her survive a ten-year Alzheimer’s journey with her husband, Donald. Marge Burke has published four books that chronicle their journey. The first three books interweave poetry and prose, giving voice to their experiences in different ways. Her latest book is When Will Someday Come, a volume of poetry written as she remembered Donald’s final days and began living into her widowhood. Tangible images and eloquent emotions kept me right there with her as she moved along the path toward “living again.” Poets like Marge invite us into a deeper understanding of the journey of grief so many of us are facing today, whether death comes through Alzheimer’s, violence, accident, or COVID-19.
We need poets. We need poetry. We need to know our languages fully and understand how to use our words as creatively and effectively as possible. As individuals and as communities, we need to mark the moments and memories of our lives in inventive and powerful ways. We’ve been writing poetry for thousands of years—the Psalms being one of the most well-known examples.
I believe in the power of poetry. I’ve shared some of my poetry on this blog, and I will share more. I encourage you to support poetry in whatever ways you can. Buy books by poets like Marge and my friends Kelsea Habecker and Chris Salerno. Sign up online to receive a poem each day. Learn about poetry and consider writing your own poems. If you’re not sure where to start, use the Psalms as inspiration, like I have done.
How else might you support our culture’s deeper need for poetry today?
Shirin, I am honored and humbled to be included with such inspiring poets Kelsea and Chris. Thanks. Marge
Oh, Marge, you’re most welcome! I’m inspired by you having four published books! 🙂
Peace,
Shirin
Yesterday I did a little “cleaning out” – prompted by both Covid 19 and the rainy day in Tucson. In a file cabinet I found a collection of poems written by my good friend Jane Chilcott… I believe you know her too. She has written poetry off and on for many years. She gave me a collection of her work a few years ago… which I read then – then tucked away. I was once again drawn in by the images and feelings she created with words. Today I must call and thank her for the gift. Thank you for reminding us of the power of words, the comfort, solace and encouragement we can find in poetry.
Yes, Joyce, I do indeed know Jane! I’m so glad to have been part of the re-entry of poetry into your awareness this weekend. May you find much solace and encouragement in poetry in the days ahead.
Peace,
Shirin
Thanks for being a fierce advocate of poetry and of poets, Shirin! I know you know how much it nourishes and fuels. X
You’re welcome, Kelsea! Yes, I do. Many blessings on your latest poetry projects!
Peace,
Shirin
so happy to see this celebration of the spoken word. Two quotes the time to mind… One is by Billy Collins, and the other the source is unknown. Former Port Laureate, Billy Collins, said in the trailer to his Master Class, “poetry is the only history we have of the human heart.” The other quote with unknown roots is, “Poets are not discovered by what they write, but what they see.”
Thank you, Barbara. These are great quotes! As with my photography, it is indeed about how and what we see….
Peace,
Shirin