Very good article by Tracy Smith on why poetry is essential to democracy. Smith writes that "when a poem can lead you into an unfamiliar place, where what you must do is watch and listen closely, think and associate quickly, and find your footing from scratch, it is imparting a set of skills that are yours to keep."
In this regard, she is similar to Emily Dickinson who wrote that “If I read a book and it makes my whole body so cold no fire can warm me, I know that is poetry. If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know that is poetry. These are the only ways I know it. Is there any other way?”
Poetry can convey meaning in a way that prose cannot and the loss of poetry in our culture has impoverished our culture.
In this regard, she is similar to Emily Dickinson who wrote that “If I read a book and it makes my whole body so cold no fire can warm me, I know that is poetry. If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know that is poetry. These are the only ways I know it. Is there any other way?”
Poetry can convey meaning in a way that prose cannot and the loss of poetry in our culture has impoverished our culture.
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