An art form that transcends time

Imlisanen Jamir

Since the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared it in 1990, the World Poetry Day has been observed on March 21 every year to promote the reading, writing, publishing and teaching of poetry throughout the world and to “give fresh recognition and impetus to national, regional and international poetry movements.”

We might very well roll your eyes at the notion that every day, every week and every month has been designated a National (or International) Something Day/Week/Month. But look at it this way: It's a sad statement on our condition that so many of us need a reminder to do the things; think about the things; appreciate the things that make us human.

This day is just a reminder, for those who need it, that life is always a little better and makes a little more sense when you allow poetry to walk a little behind you.

For some, poetry collections intimidate more than any other type of book. Perhaps this fear stems from school, where we're expected to read "classic" poems. Perhaps, it's from this widely accepted idea that poetry has to be completely broken apart to its foundations, searching for some hidden meaning in every single word, that takes away the joy of just listening to the rhythm of a poem.

Whatever it is, this World Poetry Day, is the perfect time to start rethinking our collective relationship with poetry.
So today, this column puts all politics aside in favor of something much more universal. For one day, we focus on that which unites us rather than that which divides us.

Poetry wafts through our mental and emotional panes every day in different forms, whether it's a gentle psalm from the Bible or a street-tough rap on the radio. The finest songwriters, regardless of the genre, can find it in ways both profound and silly.

Whether we study it academically or enjoy it recreationally, poetry teaches us far more than we realize. It opens our minds to creative thought and expression, a trait that can be applied to any task before us, manual or mental. It reminds us of the value of economy of expression. Prose, with its subordinate clauses and elaborate constructions, can be burdensome and laborious. Whereas lawyers might use three sentences to make their points, poets need only one perfect adjective. It's a good lesson for all of us.

It is an art form that transcends time. So here’s to promoting the teaching of poetry, to restore a dialogue between poetry and the other arts such as theatre, dance, music and painting, and to support small publishers.

Comments can be sent to imlisanenjamir@gmail.com