I ponder about the music in verses and the melody through words that is simply an expression of the feeling or the unfeeling of the heart and soul of the poet. Yes, poetry is the oozing out from the poet’s pen without calculated deliberation. It is not that I have to write poetry therefore I will write. It is more like I am ready to gather and pen down words into verses and in sync. That is when a poem takes shape and the composition happens. Poetry is the deepest voice of the human soul that is buried under layers of emotions, attachments, knowledge, ideas and ideals waiting to find expression in an outburst of words arranged to compose the volcanic effect of spilling around.
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Throughout ages poetry has been a part of man’s cultural manifestation irrespective of language and across all civilisations. Poets have been a part of cultural congregations albeit the readership is restricted in comparison to fictions and non-fictions.
Poetry as a form of expression in both written and unwritten forms pre dates other means of writing in the history of literature. But the earliest known written poetry is attributed to the Sumerian civilisation dating back to 2000 BC mainly in religious in nature.
In India, Valmiki who needs no introduction for his epic work – Ramayana, is referred to as the ‘Adi Kavi’ or the first poet of India. Rigveda is also considered as the earliest religious poetry having remarkable poetic complexity. Asia’s first and till date India’s only Nobel Prize for Literature was bestowed on Rabindranath Tagore, also known as Kobiguru, for his work Geetanjali, which is a collection of poems.
When we read poetry it has its own flow and specific structure. The form of poetry indicates the style or type while the structure means the way it is organised and the relationship between its different parts. Written in different forms – haikus, sonnet, acrostic, elegy, free verse, limerick, ode, epic, lyric, ballad, narrative... The structure of poetry is made up of certain elements as – meter, rhyme, stanza, verse and scheme.
Since poetry is a part of all human societies thus it is impossible to delve into each of them in few lines. Unlike a piece of prose, poetry has an air of interpretation that depends also on the reader. What imagery is created in the mind, what emotions shiver down the spine and what music rings in the ears of the reader is what poetry is all about.
Poetry readership as already mentioned is limited and thus it is very important to learn how to appreciate poetry. A poem must first be read aloud to understand the use of sound and the rhythmical pattern of words just like the musical notes which reads flat until played. The recitation gives life to the work of the poet. Glancing at the poem with intense focus and absorbing the words over a few reading will bring the reader to a point where s/he is suddenly bewildered by what the poet is speaking about. The reader will start to comprehend and appreciate the work, importantly enjoy what he is reading.
The poet often will use words literally and figuratively and loves to speak of one thing as if it is another. We must understand that a poem is a reflection of the poet’s experience or imagination at that particular point of time which is caged in words. It may so happen that even re-creating the same scene may not produce the same poem from the same poet. It is about the moment captured and caged for eternity.
One can never learn too much about a poem but has to always return back to the original work itself. Poetry is also the produce of a particular mind and insight, with a vision in its own right and as an enduring piece of art.
21st March was adopted as World Poetry Day during UNESCO’s 30th General Conference in Paris in 1999. The aim was to support linguistic diversity through poetic expression and increasing the opportunity for endangered languages to be heard. The purpose is to promote the reading, writing, publishing and teaching of poetry throughout the world to “give fresh recognition and impetus to national, regional and international poetry movements”.
Over centuries poetry has not only been a source of cultural preservation and inclusion but also a part of the literary basket of any civilisation. Poetry has reflected the eco-political and socio cultural changes, thus leaving an everlasting impact on the mind of the reader. The theme for 2025 World Poetry Day is ‘Poetry as a Bridge for Peace and Inclusion’ – is very aptly timed and holds great relevance.
World poetry week has already been celebrated this year between 30th Jan to 5th February, under the theme ‘Embodiment’, focusing on the physical, tangible and sensual aspects of poetry.
The 55th Poetry International Festival is scheduled from June 12-15, 2025, at Rotterham, featuring readings, discussions, workshops and performances by leading poets. The series of events celebrating poetry is a testimony of the strength and relevance of poems even today.
In a world torn and divided, craving for greener, sustainable and an all-inclusive peaceful global cover, poetry can help break the barriers that otherwise cannot be crossed. As the old saying goes- the pen is mightier than the sword. Unlike a piece of prose, poetry conveys a message albeit in a very unique manner. The recitation can leave a dent in the mind and heart of the listener.
A poem is not just an assimilation of words rhymed. It is more than that. Poetry is probably the oldest form of literary expression making this a vital part of literature, a historically relevant work of art because of its content and a socially relevant means of cultural preservation and transmission.
But above all is the poetic message that beholds the reader. Being a poet is a self-imposed responsibility that should cater to the creation of a sustainable, transformative, inclusive and peaceful world.
(The author is a gold medallist in Political Science and a law graduate, with experience as a lawyer, lecturer, writer, and entrepreneur. A self-taught poet, she is based in Guwahati and can be contacted via email at mitra18anamika@gmail.com. All views and opinions expressed are the author's own)
