Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Mankind's Story Is Told In Poems Of Emotion

By Harriett Crosby


Mankind has a long history of expressing the deepest feelings in poems of emotion, either orally or in writing. From national events like war to intimate moments of physical or spiritual love, poetic expression seems to help people give an account, understand events, remember joys and horrors, and reveal ideas and feelings. In fact, without relating an emotional response to the human condition, words do not make poetry.

Some of the earliest poetry is found in the Bible and other religious books. The Song of Moses celebrates God's deliverance at the Red Sea. The song of Solomon is a paean to human love that is full of spiritual symbolism. David and others wrote the Psalms as cries to the Lord, whether pleas for help or hymns of thanksgiving.

Oral traditions brings us epics about heroes and victories. Many of them have been preserved in writing, but undoubtedly others are lost forever. The origin stories of most races are poetic in nature. It is the emotional overtone to tradition that keeps it alive in our memories, while dry history lessons may be quickly forgotten.

Poetry is memorable. Even those who never want to quote from the world's great poets recognize some famous elements. Who doesn't know, 'No man is an island', or 'A rose by any other name...'. 'To be or not to be' may be all some know of Shakespeare, but how many other great men or women of history have even this much place in our memories?

This memorable aspect of poetry helps us remember great events and people when dry history lessons have long been forgotten. Paul Revere's ride is a historic event, but the dramatic poem containing the immortal line 'One if by land and two if by sea' is probably what most of us think of first when his name is mentioned. We know he was 'booted and spurred and ready to ride' even if we can't remember the date of that action-filled night.

Poetic accounts of great, passionate love resonate with us because we all have our own love stories. New love, enduring love, and lost love are themes that echo down the ages. Although they are not new, poets seem to find a way to bring them into focus over and over in ways that surprise us with their impact and truth. 'How do I love you? Let me count the ways.' These simple words set a tone of intimacy that affects virtually everyone who lets them resonate in their heart and soul. The effect of poetry on us is amazing and undeniable.

In earlier days, people who had any leisure at all had time for poetry. It was a way to pass the time on a sunny afternoon or by the fireside on a long winter's evening. Now people spend those hours at the computer or in front of the television. However, poetry is still being written and can still enrich our lives, if we allow it a part of our time and attention.

Human feelings give rise to poems of emotion, which in turn help people express and understand those feelings. Poetry stirs the heart, fires the imagination, and broadens the mind. It is an art form that requires inspiration, skill, and discipline, and the best examples of it attain immortality.




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