“One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words.” ― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Poetry has the power to connect us, to engage us, to transport us. Through poetry, we are opened to new voices and invited to add our own. I don’t know the science behind it, but our brains process poetry differently than other communication. We have to slow down to read poetry and absorb its ideas--no skimming to get to the good parts or glancing at the headlines for the important details. With poetry every word means something. Every comma, space, and period helps to give the message. Maybe that’s why when we were kids poetry was such a big part of our playing and learning, It gave us the perfect quality of word and form to reach our growing brains. Who can’t recall a favorite nursery rhyme or a particular few pages from a favorite Dr. Seuss classic? That’s power. Who among us, as adults, has not paused to take in a beautiful quote or re-read a passage to absorb and make personal the meaning? That’s power. These recent weeks have left us exhausted from filtering so much intense and scary information because we just can’t take it ALL in while still trying to keep all of our balls in the air. What better time to slow down and re-explore the power poetry has over us to soothe, inspire, and entertain?
If your most recent connection with poetry was the college lit class that bored you to tears, or reading Green Eggs and Ham for the 3000th time to your 4 year old, shake off your preconceptions. There is a poet out there who has an idea to offer you in a style that will reach you. It can be a daunting task to set out in search of a “good read,” but it will be worth the effort. Since current situations make an afternoon at the library or a trip to Barnes and Noble impossible, I have a few names for you to use as inspiration to begin your hunt.
(Illustration credit: Shel Silverstein)
In the world of children’s poetry, my personal favorite since the age of 9 has been Shel Silverstein. He illustrated his quirky verse with equally quirky drawings, saying things every kid thought or could relate to. My copy of “Where the Sidewalk Ends”
is falling completely to pieces and I can’t bear to part with it. So many of my childhood days on my Gram’s porch scent its pages. It is a tremendous gift to find a poet your child can carry with them into adulthood as that connection and comfort. If you already know Shel, give these folks a look:
Since I’m mentioning personal favorites, I have to include the treasured Maya Angelou in the list of poets for adults. Her words and insights have provided inspiration, comfort, and determination to millions. I have watched for years the particular impact Maya Angelou’s works have had on my own adult daughter, and been thankful for the strength my daughter has found in her words. If you have already explored Maya Angelou, try seeking out these inspiring poets:
The irresistible verse of most children’s poetry begs to be recited and shared. Reading poems out loud can help you grasp the author’s meaning and appreciate the beauty of the language. Especially now, poetry can offer us a new perspective, a new space for comfort, and a new tool to nourish our minds and hearts. Explore its power.
Have a listen to some of my favorites by Maya Angelou and Shel Silverstein–
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