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.
Religions of the world have given us great poetry. From the Bible to Greek mythology, man's relation to the divine has been a part of his culture. The biblical Song of Moses, the Song of Solomon, and the psalms of David speak of awe, thanksgiving, petition, and praise for the God of Israel. Mythology told stories of the gods and their influence on and interaction with mankind.
Our literary heritage contains epic poems that were first delivered orally and later recorded. Undoubtedly many more existed but have been lost. Scholars are still trying to record ancient oral traditions from scattered races and tribes. The emotional content and people's connection to their past gives these tales great impact and meaning.
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 is one reason that poetry is so educational. It helps us remember great events, like Paul Revere's ride to warn the American colonists of the British advance. 'One if by land or two if by sea' rings in our ears long after the dates of the event have faded from our memories. We relate to stirring events when our emotions are stirred by the skillful phrasing of a poet.
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 the days before television, people had more time to spend on poetry. Now surfing the web and watching favorite television serials take up the evening hours. However, people are still writing poetry and reading it for enlightenment and enjoyment. It is an important part of our culture and can enrich life if we make time for it.
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.
Religions of the world have given us great poetry. From the Bible to Greek mythology, man's relation to the divine has been a part of his culture. The biblical Song of Moses, the Song of Solomon, and the psalms of David speak of awe, thanksgiving, petition, and praise for the God of Israel. Mythology told stories of the gods and their influence on and interaction with mankind.
Our literary heritage contains epic poems that were first delivered orally and later recorded. Undoubtedly many more existed but have been lost. Scholars are still trying to record ancient oral traditions from scattered races and tribes. The emotional content and people's connection to their past gives these tales great impact and meaning.
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 is one reason that poetry is so educational. It helps us remember great events, like Paul Revere's ride to warn the American colonists of the British advance. 'One if by land or two if by sea' rings in our ears long after the dates of the event have faded from our memories. We relate to stirring events when our emotions are stirred by the skillful phrasing of a poet.
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 the days before television, people had more time to spend on poetry. Now surfing the web and watching favorite television serials take up the evening hours. However, people are still writing poetry and reading it for enlightenment and enjoyment. It is an important part of our culture and can enrich life if we make time for it.
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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