Written language is one of the most diverse and significant tools of communication that we have at the present. This medium has been utilized for centuries, in abundant situations. One of the most mysterious, amoebic, and expressive types of written language is poetry. Poetry is one of the most intriguing forms of writing because it allows so much freedom. “Poetry can tell a story, describe an object or situation, narrate an event, or simply express feelings.” (Kurland, 2000, p. 1). This type of medium is the most artistic branch of the written word. Additionally, it is one of the most difficult to translate or find meaning. On a personal level, I find poetry to be an effective technique, which allows for the expression of my emotion. As aforementioned, this is one of the freer methods of expression, which in turn contribute to a facile experience. There are many obstacles when you are attempting to relay your emotion, but have to do so with strict adherence to guidelines and rules, an issue that occurs with other types of writing. Poetry has become a large part of my life, which has resulted in a keen attraction to how others express themselves with this technique.
One of the main venues that one can find poetry is at small coffee shops and similar establishments. These tend to bring the most judgment free individuals, making the whole task of relaying your emotional prose comforting and rewarding. It really is hard to understand the release that one feels when they read their personal written word to others. Although some may argue that just writing the words down is an expression of self, their true release is when they are appreciated or comprehended by another. Having experience with this emotional delivery has aided me in learning that it is very unhealthy to keep intense emotions inside. Some find other mediums helpful, but it is with poetry that is the most productive in my certain scenario.
I grew up in a small town in Massachusetts called Lowell. Although not the most artistic of communities, I was able to find select venues in which I could hear other’s poetry and even perform some of my own. Since I find poetry reading to be a personal experience, I want to protect the writer’s and their confidentiality by not mentioning the exact place that I heard this certain piece. What I found to be amazing was the raw communication of emotion. This is where we can see the merits and values of these types of ventures as well as the enthralling enigma that is poetry. Poetry has some guidelines, but at the end of the day the author has the freedom to choose whatever they want for their final product. At the previously stated coffeehouse I saw everything to screaming, anger, music, and much more amalgamated in various persons poetry. Furthermore, it allows others that do not have much familiarity with poetry to not only attain a new method of expression, but grants for the understanding of others that translate their emotion in this method. We live in a society where manners and etiquette are valued to an extreme. Rarely do we see individuals communicating their true thoughts and feelings. They may be labeled as “crazy” or “strange”, but at poetry readings the audience gets to see the true power of the human soul. This type of experience is eye opening for seasoned poetry writers as well as novices. Moreover, this type of expression is a basic human need. We are animals and although highly advanced, we need raw communication at times. Poetry is an arena of study that allows for individuals to explain their true feelings.
Reference
Kurland, D. (2000). How the Language Really Works: The Fundamentals of Critical Reading and Effective Writing.Critical Reading. Web.