- In the process of writing a good poem, the poet comes into contact with the unknown
- This involves a degree of risk and tests the poet's abilities
- The poet is forced to fend for himself or herself against the inconsistencies of both the world and his own consciousness
- This contact prevents the development of comfort zones
- In this way, unresolved emotions and concepts are prevented from scabbing over
- Rather, they are drawn out and used for growth
- The poet begins to dance with his own shadow
- He may then become more willing to dance with the shadows of others, which is a boon to the community
- Embarking away from isolation encourages the poet's writing to become more fruitful for a broader audience
- Everyone benefits
Why
Poetry Doesn't Make Sense
- Nobody cares
- You never know what you're going to get
- Good poetry creates more questions than answers
- Few people have enough time to think as it is
- You actually need to make time to read or write it
- It's hard to talk about
- It's often ugly
- It's too sensitive
- It creates an unnecessary weight
- It often asks the reader to let go of something that helps them feel secure
What We
Should Do About This
- Nothing. Go about our daily lives as we have been
- Or, begin reading and writing poems with a sense of humor
- And, begin approaching our existential and emotional issues with a sense of humor
- Give ourselves and everyone else a break
- Recognize that learning about ourselves is a lifelong process
- Recognize the importance of sharing stories and wisdom
- Use poetry to cultivate a relationship with the unknown
- Embrace the new possibilities in each day
- Live more from the heart and less from the mind
- Be more thankful; and happier
