Turn Those Words Into Poetry

Everyday we all read countless words. We read words on signs, on menus, and on buses. We read words in the grocery store and at the coffee shop. We certainly read words at the library, and in the morning paper. So often, and even perhaps too often, these words that we read day-to-day pass by us without leaving an impression. These words fly by our eyes and ears, as the meaning and intent of them may very well go in one ear and out the other. We take these words and we speak them, we scan over them, and we use them as we need them. When we are done placing our order, reading the front page of a journal, or speaking to a neighbor, those same words are dismissed without a second thought.

Though not so long ago, these same words that we encounter on a daily basis, were given much more thought. These same words were written down, and spoken, in a meaningful way. These words were meant to be passed on to another with intention, and thought. Perhaps these words would produce more words [via conversation], or release an idea. Perhaps these words would stir feelings of love and adoration, or maybe they would cause an uprising of anger or fear. When words are linked in such a manner, we call them Poetry.

This ‘Poetry’ has existed perhaps as long as the words themselves have, perhaps even as long as Word itself has. Shakespeare and Twain, Poe and Dickinson, Hughes and Frost; Poets such as these have transcended the ages, and perhaps even time. We hear their words as clearly as if they were written yesterday.

Some Poetry has been able to cross from the literary world into our everyday lives as we read books by Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein to our children, and our children’s children. Some Poetry we have come to tap our feet to as the words have been set to music. We listen to wordsmiths such as The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkle, and Bob Dylan. Even today poetry can be found in many lyrics, ranging from musical artists Destiny’s Child to Enya.

Though some may prefer Shakespeare over Eminem, there can be no question that the words written by both individuals ought to be considered poetry. They both have written with an intent to affect the reader [listener]; and that is exactly what they have done. Through their words, we leave with ideas in our heads, thoughts on the tips of our tongues, and emotions stirring within us; that is Poetry.