Why humans need poetry

Why humans need poetry: poetry is a unique form of human self-expression, the language of the soul, a vocation, a rare divine gift, and the ability to rhythmically express one's inner state.

Almost everyone comes into contact with poetry at some point in their lives. Poetry is all around us; in music, our interactions with other people, the way we express ourselves and emotions, and in so many other ways. Poetry is best experienced in the company of other people. The main reason for wanting to experience poetry is to be touched. And no, I don't mean the kind of "touch" you're thinking about.

But the big question remains: why do humans need poetry?

Poetry is an art form that has been around for thousands of years, and its impact on human beings is undeniable. It can express feelings, emotions, and thoughts in a way that prose cannot. Poetry can be a powerful tool to help people see the world from a different perspective.

Comfort and inspiration

One reason poetry is important is because it can provide comfort and inspiration. Reading poetry can help people deal with difficult emotions and circumstances by offering a way to process and articulate them. Many poets have written about grief, heartbreak, and other struggles, and their work can provide a sense of solidarity and empathy. Poetry can also inspire readers to see the beauty and wonder in the world, even in the midst of chaos and hardship.

A Kode of Conduct Poetry event in Haarlem

Empathy and understanding

Another reason poetry is important is because it can foster empathy and understanding. Poetry often explores the human experience through a different lens or perspective, which can expand our own understanding of the world. By reading poetry from people with different backgrounds and perspectives, we can gain insight into experiences that we may never have had ourselves. This can lead to greater empathy, compassion, and connection with others.

Self-expression

Moreover, poetry can be a means for self-expression. Writing poetry can help people express their own emotions and experiences in a way that feels authentic and true to their voice. It can also offer a way to communicate complex thoughts and ideas that may be difficult to articulate in everyday language. For some people, writing poetry can be therapeutic; it can provide a way to process experiences and emotions and can help them to gain clarity and understanding.

Language and creativity

Finally, poetry is important because it is a form of art that celebrates language and creativity. It can be read for the pure pleasure of language, or for the creative ways that poets use language to convey their ideas and emotions. Poetry can be a beautiful and powerful form of artistic expression, and its impact can be felt in everything from literature to music to film.

Poetry makes us human

In conclusion, poetry is a valuable and important art form that has much to offer to everyday human beings. Its ability to offer comfort, foster empathy and understanding, provide a means for self-expression, and celebrate language and creativity make it an essential part of our cultural heritage. Whether you are a reader or a writer of poetry, it is worth taking the time to explore and appreciate this enduring art form.

If you're looking for a good reason why humans need poetry, the amazing Jack Keating (Robin Williams) in the Dead Poets Society put it perfectly: "We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race, and the human race is filled with passion. Medicine, law, business, engineering—these are noble pursuits, and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love—these are what we stay alive for."

Poetry at The Louisiana, Haarlem

Join us at Kode of Conduct Poetry Circle. July 30 is our next poetry and spoken word event, and we would love to welcome you to The Louisiana Lobstershack Haarlem.

Check out the "Events" page on our website, or our Facebook event page: https://fb.me/e/g8nIX5Wrz

Come be a part of an amazing art form in a safe space where your art truly gets to blossom.