This Friday, March 21, is World Poetry Day. Established by UNESCO in 1999, World Poetry Day is a day designated to promoting the reading, writing and teaching of poetry.
There is no doubt that poetry and verse is a brilliant way to discover literature and get into reading. With shorter line lengths, less words and usually a less dense layout, poetry can often be seen as a very accessible form of reading.
With its lyrical and musical quality, poetry is pleasurable to read aloud, and it provides a healthy way to express emotions and feelings. It can expand the readers vocabulary and understanding, especially with the use of figurative language, metaphors and symbolism. It is also known to be good for mental health and mindfulness as it can have an almost meditative-like quality. And because of its rhythmic nature it is easier to memorise which helps mental agility and memory retention.
Another form of poetry which is becoming increasingly popular is verse novels. This unique style of storytelling is often quicker to read than traditional novels, making it more appealing for those who are short of time, or who have difficulty maintaining attention, or who have reading difficulties such as dyslexia. The poetic narrative is often quite pacey, keeping readers engaged, even those who would think of themselves as reluctant or non-readers. Verse novels can explore just as many issues and situations as traditional novels, but possibly are more emotive because of the way in which they are written, especially as the intimate style of poetry can enable the reader to feel as though they are inside the character.
But it’s not just reading poetry that is to be encouraged, writing it is a great way of exploring ourselves, our feelings and emotions and the world in which we inhabit. Writing poetry can be a therapeutic process and is also a great way to experiment with different ways of expressing ourselves. Writing in verse can encourage us to think outside the box and find new ways to convey meaning. It is a safe space that never has to be shared and can foster mindfulness as the writer focuses on the present moment. Writing also encourages empathy as, to write well, the writer needs to have an awareness and understanding of others.
But the main thing to remember about poetry is that it is fun! It is there to be enjoyed, both as a reader and a writer. Yes, it can help us to process and understand difficult thoughts and feelings, but it is also something that can provide a lot of joy. And by using poetry as a therapeutic tool, it may also enhance your life in ways that can make a big difference.
So, this World Poetry Day, why not give poetry a go? Why not reread your favourite poem, or discover a new one? Or maybe try writing some poetry of your own? You never know where it may take you.