It was National Poetry Day in the UK last Thursday and a number of events took place all over the country and on the radio (not so much on TV). One topic of debate – a topic which comes up every year or so – is whether poetry can really make a difference. Except it’s usually couched in much more dramatic terms: can poetry save lives?
The problem with such a question is, of course, that very little else can save lives either: how many computer games, business ventures, objects in our house, TV programs or anything else fall into the heroic, life-saving category?
If we talk metaphorically, however, there are many people who can bear witness to the healing power of poetry, of the right words in the correct order which came at just the perfect time. Let me just mention three of these below.
There is a TEDx talk by Andrew Jack on how poetry has made him the person he is today.
There is the memoir of hustler Amber Dawn, entitled How Poetry Saved My Life, which started out as a series of poems written by Amber as part of a community outreach program for at-risk girls.
Finally, there is the inspirational blog of Anthony Wilson, who started copying out poems which really spoke to him in his notebook when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2006. At a time when he felt that poetry, beauty and meaning was deserting him, when the physical act of writing out the poems was often painful, he nevertheless persevered. His blog and subsequent book that came out of that are:
an attempt to say thank you, ultimately to poetry for not deserting me but also to the poets who wrote the poems, and the people -teachers, friends, colleagues, poets, anthologists- who have influenced my reading, and therefore my life, so richly.
For me personally, both reading and writing poetry have been the best ways to cope with failures, depression, heartache and general disillusionment. I do turn to poetry in times of joy and contentment, too, but it’s when I am down or angry that I need poetry most.
What about you? Do you believe in the life-enhancing powers of poetry? Tell us, if you feel you like to share, about how poetry has helped you, perhaps even tell us which poem or line has meant a lot to you.
I do not really know yet how poetry has affected me… Writing it has for sure changed me. I have become more aware and reflective, but I have also became more sensitive and maybe even closer to the edge of depression.. Sometimes I wonder if poetry also kills actually. There are many emotions involved in the texts I read and write. Maybe it can both save and take lives..
I do agree with it perhaps taking lives as well. I think of Sylvia Plath, as an example. I do wonder sometimes if when one WRITES one’s thoughts out in such a depthful way if it actually intensifies the feelings. If a person is vulnerable anyway, what might they do with all of their thoughts….I wonder sometimes if it inspires someone to act on the negative emotions they write out.
Oh, dear, this is becoming a bit of a depressing discussion! I can see what you’re saying – although it feels a bit like a chicken and egg problem, was it poetry which intensified the feelings or the feelings which intensified the poetry?
But I was also thinking more in terms of reading poetry, and finding inspiration and comfort in the words that someone else has written but which seem to communicate directly with your very innermost thoughts.
Ah, sorry I misunderstood.
No, no, that’s fine – it’s interesting that the conversation did take that turn (I blame Bjorn for that!) – there is no right or wrong answer!
Oh boy . . . I agree with each of you. One of the things that I love about writing poetry is that you can express yourself, speak of how you feel within, yet keep it from the reader if that is what you wish to do. Mary, Thanks for bringing me here. Funny, I am trying to did myself out of a whole right now.
This is a very interesting way to think of this. I hadn’t thought of it that way. Thanks for sharing. (((((Hugs))))
Same here Bjorn.
Good evening and sorry for being a bit late to open the pub doors, as I was acting as a chauffeur to my older son tonight.
Would love to hear about how poetry has affected your lives. Even if, as Björn says above, it may have opened you up to being more vulnerable, more sensitive, more easily hurt. I think I was like that to start off with, so poetry has given me a coping mechanism. Other people’s words and then finding my own words – deeply, deeply hidden and metaphorical, rather than just bursting out with anger and hurt.
I like that.. to veil your feeling, to be able to say things without have to say them straight out.. yes I can see that. Tonight I talked with friends how many poets that have committed suicide (but I think it can be extended to authors)..
Interesting point. I think that poets are very emotionally deep people on average. The more we feel, the more we are vulnerable to things like depression, self destruction and hopelessness. It is a blessing and a curse.
Ah, yes, it is indeed. I wonder though if that ‘vulnerability’ is what attracts us to poetry in the first place. And, of course, if that vulnerability is somehow linked to addiction or other mental health issues.
But perhaps a poet can save him or herself a poem at a time – I wonder how many have had their lives prolonged by being able to write about their emotions.
I think it is the same vulnerability and it comes down to our strength and choices on how we cope or don’t cope. Poetry could certainly be part of the life saving experience. Words are so powerful.
I so agree with your wise words!
I agree too!
I agree with you!
And also artists in general. Creativity does seem to be linked at times with depression or manic depression or other mental health issues. But I am thinking more of the readers – those who have found in a poem the words which have given them hope and a place for their own emotions to nest.
I very valid point.. I think the amount of comfort reading can give.. I think it can save lives.
Reading is also an escape for me but I tend to read light fiction, something I can lose myself in and throw my sadness to the side.
That works a treat too!
I’d like to address this from the perspective of my long time work with death and dying. I have found that poetry adds value to those who are facing end-of -life challenges–both patients and family members, helping them to express feelings that need to be shared, especially in the face of loss. That is something difficult for some to do directly.
Also, it is an incredible healing force for those who are grieving. I’ve seen it here at dVerse among those who have experienced the death of a loved one, and even when we lost a member a few years ago (David King, remember anyone?)
Being able to express darker emotions, to get it all out there (in any form of art) can help to prevent self-destructive behaviors. Back in the early days of the AIDS epidemic, I was privileged to manage one of the first AIDS units in San Francisco. We were fortunate to have an art therapist on board. The visual art that was produced by both patients and their loved ones decorated the walls of the hospital. Maybe poetry or other art forms don’t save lives, but for sure, they add quality and the ability to “say” what needs to be said.
Thanks for introducing this important topic, Marina.
Thank you for sharing this very valid point.. and I do remember David King.. and many others who have passed away in the blogosphere.. I can understand the comforting effect of poetry.. how good to use it in therapy..
That is such a valuable point you make – thank you for sharing your experience with us. As a way of expressing emotions which might otherwise by suppressed and burst out in forms such as self-harm, violence, anger or illness, you are so right that art (but perhaps especially poetry, because of the power of the human voice) occupies a unique place.
So well said. I worked with the dying in the late 70s. I also had no relationship with poetry – wish that I had.
I remember David King, and his amazing poems ~ Through poetry, we were able to pay tribute to him and we in turned comforted each other in our words ~
I think he was active a little before my time, but I remember hearing the news of his death and feeling so shaken that it could happen to someone you knew ‘in real time’, as it were.
Great topic, by the way. It made me think about a poem by “X” who frequents here. It was called “Poet’s Untidied” and it such an impact on me that I printed it out.
Opening line “If poems were pistols
I wonder if we would pull the trigger
as often”
Another line…”Surely he’s a poet —
or met one, considering the amount
of crimson flowing”
Great quotes indeed! And I do like X and his poetry very much.
I think in a world which devalues poetry quite a bit (I’ve seen people sniggering at it when I used a few lines of poetry very briefly in a corporate context), it is powerful to hear anecdotes about the power of poetry to do good. (Of course, bad as well, but isn’t that the case with most things, that they can be used for good and bad?)
That is sad, MarinaSofina, that some are unable to appreciate the art of poetry. Perhaps it is simply about varying levels of emotional development. Some of us have a more attuned sense of emotion than others.
Like X, so many poets experience life in all its intensity because of the work they are involved in. And for those of us who do experience that, poetry becomes a way to sort through it, to process it. For many of us, I suspect, without poetry, our lives could become a statistic.
I remember the day of the Virginia Tech tragedy–quite a few years ago–the kid who did it was in the arts (playwriting) I wrote a poem a few days later and one line said
“I understand it’s true of all
Creative People, if we didn’t do the arts,
we could hurt somebody.”
I suppose there could be some truth in that…at least for some.
Chilling thought, but sounds quite plausible to me…
Excellent topic, Marina Sofia. I wish I had something profound to add to it. I do remember, however, when I was going through a period of teen-aged angst I turned to poetry; so I would have to say that poetry does work to diffuse emotion or to express emotion that one doesn’t feel comfortable sharing anywhere else. They were not poems for public view though….smiles. If the blogosphere had existed then, I wouldn’t have blogged them.
I also do know that there is a poetry writing project for prisoners; If you take a look at this link http://www.pen.org/prison-writing , you will see the quote about the PEN Prison Writing Program: “The PEN Prison Writing Program believes in the restorative, rehabilitative power of writing and provides hundreds of inmates across the country with skilled writing teachers and audiences for their work. It provides a place for inmates to express themselves freely and encourages the use of the written word as a legitimate form of power.” In any case, this seems to be quite a project so I would assume that many think that poetry IS therapeutic.
Mary . . . I like what you said above. It reminds me of a period in my life at 28 years of age when I became celibate for 5 years. I did so because I needed about 30 years of counseling and had money for none. Through celibacy I was able to fix myself. I also wrote at that time. My first year was tough. I wrote about my sports car and its virility – and something I might have wanted to do to it. NO! Not for a blog.
I do think sometimes that READING poetry can help ‘save’ lives…. I really identify with so much of what Gregory Orr, the poet, writes. He is my ‘go to’ poet when I need to find someone who speaks to me. Perhaps some people turn to poetry as other turn to meditation or prayer or walking in the woods. I think if a person can find a poet / poets that one identifies with & who express things the way YOU (as reader) feel, it is very helpful sometimes. I mentioned Gregory Orr as my #1, also could add Mary Oliver and Leonard Cohen.
I think I would go to a Swedish poet (even though I never write in Swedish), Karin Boye or Pär Lagerqvist maybe,
That is certainly what I’ve felt and heard others say too. Funnily enough, Sylvia Plath warded off (for me) a bad case of teenage angst and suicidal thoughts. Cavafy made me understand myself as a stranger in a strange land better. Rimbaud made me quiver with the joy and power of adolescence, while Paul Celan and Rilke helped me to age gracefully.
I asked myself this same question a couple of weeks ago when I participated in the worldwide 100TPC or 100 Thousand Poets for Change event and linked my poem “A Life Can Raise Up” on Jamie Dedes’ blog, Into the Bardo. The topic was hunger and/or poverty. I certainly hope that these kinds of events have a positive effect on bringing about change…but can it be measured? I wondered about that.
As far as personally, I found that writing has been very cathartic in helping me express my inner emotions and perhaps in releasing some pent up harmful (to my health and well being) energy. I took up poetry writing the same time I started my blog in late 2010. I had no idea that I would enjoy it as much as I did. It became somewhat of a lifeline you could say as I found myself unemployed, depressed, angst-y and wondering what to do with myself. It filled a great need for my self-esteem and provided a “purpose.” So I guess I can say, for me, yes; poetry has had a very positive effect on my life. I don’t really have a favorite poet but maybe I need to do some exploring and see who I can resonate with.
Thanks for the topic today, Marina.
I started my blog in 2009. I was unemployed and very depressed. I had always written poetry, but having that blog gave me a place to create more and share more. It’s interesting how our lives intersect and overlap isn’t it? 😉
So good that you took the challenges in your life, Tameka, and translated them into your talented poetry.
Thanks Victoria! Ditto for you! 😀
Yes, very interesting. I like that. Sometimes we poets share quite deeply with each other and I think that’s good for our souls. :~)
I agree.
What a touching and moving tribute to the power of words, from both you and Tameka! It has been our privilege and gain to have access to your beautifully penned poems.
I have to admit that I too started writing (again, after two decades of not writing) and blogging at a time of depression and near breakdown. And, although it was prose I was interested in writing, it was ultimately rediscovering poetry which rescued me. Both in terms of reading and writing.
Thank you, Marina. It’s interesting how a more depressed mood will turn people to writing. Maybe it’s an instinct of sorts to try and alleviate the negative emotions. When I first started my blog I wanted to write more memoir…hadn’t even considered poetry. It wasn’t even on my radar but a friend encouraged me to give it a try and here I am. I still do write some memoir now and then but it’s been primarily poetry. I enjoyed sharing with both you and Tameka!
There are some poems that I know to stay away from ( like some music) that I know will trigger a response in me of troubles I have tried to leave behind. But usually sad poetry is like a sad song, it makes me feel less alone. I do feel very alone, often. I’m not like others, and poetry is a way to create something new. I want to create as much as I can to leave for my family.
In the last year poetry and writing in general has helped me to be more social. By sharing it instead of keeping it to myself, it has allowed me contact with other writers, both to talk to and especially to listen to.
I’m glad you’re sharing your work with us. Writing poetry can help us connect to others. That’s another reason I love it. I think we all feel alone more times than we would like to admit. I admire your honesty.
thanks so much…
So true–when we read the poetry others submit and can identify with it, we know we are not so alone in our experience.
so true
How interesting that you should mention certain ‘trigger poems’ to stay away from. I can certainly think of one or two of those, and especially of songs that I hear, which will make me want to cry and become very mournful and passive.
And I love what you say about those words connecting us, those feelings and moments described or suddenly illuminated in a poem resonating with us at a deep level, making us feel less alone.
We really are better together than alone
I’m glad that writing has helped you open up and want to share your writings too. I can sometimes be quite a loner and blogging has definitely helped me make some wonderful connections with people I normally would not have had access too. It’s been quite a gift. Thanks for sharing, Pleasant Street.
My pleasure. You really have a gift for encouraging people, thank you
Well thank you, I really appreciate you saying so.
I think the power of poetry can soothe and save us. I didn’t have the easiest childhood and after my family moved to a new home when I was a little girl, I found a few copies of Robert Frost books. I guess the man who lived there before us left them. Reading those gorgeous poems about nature over the years helped me escape the turmoil I was living in. I then started writing poetry myself. I have used poetry writing as an escape many times, but mostly I do it now because I love it so. It’s become a part of me. 🙂
For the same reasons, I love the work of Mary Oliver.
I’m not familiar with her work. I’ll have to look her up. Thanks!
Ah, she is my favorite–lives in New England…about 85 years old. She has a new book coming out next week, I think.
Looking forward to discovering her!
That’s a wonderful story, Tameka – thank you for sharing. I especially love the way you then moved from meaning to sound, from soothing to an essential part of yourself.
You’re welcome Marina!
This is an interesting conversation. Certainly, I too stay away from certain poems unless I start into one not knowing what it is about – like cruelty to animals, death of animals. I also find that some poems I relate to and it is good to know I am not the only one to feel this. Some writers only seem to write sad sad lonely pieces, other angry rants – I stop reading their work because it never seems to change therefore I can only think the person isn’t able or willing to go beyond their circumstance. Sometimes poets/authors can inspire people to think of ways to help others, or to go to war, or to save the earth. I had a commenter make the statement that my poetry was insipid and had no meaning because of my preference for certain Japanese poetic forms. I am not the kind of person to publicly air my politics or to always air my inner feelings. I only write what I feel comfortable in sharing. I doubt I have saved anyone but I hope I have made some smile when they otherwise would not or to look differently at something. Like Victoria, at one point, I was also involved with people dying from AIDS. Most of them did not want to hear very sad, angry, or political poems. They wanted something to comfort them or something that expressed similar instances in their lives and/or life of their partner.
Brrrr, a poem about cruelty to animals – certainly something to steer well clear off!
You make (at least) 2 very interesting points – this is the time when I wish we could just ‘chat’ live, and exchange ideas in a more immediate fashion, as it’s all so fascinating.
Anyway, I so understand what you mean by poets – sometimes even good ones – who are ‘monotonal’, who only seem to have one attitude or mood or one type of poetry. I think maybe they have something to get off their chests at that moment in time, but hopefully they will evolve and move on to other things in the course of their career.
The other point seems to me to be about poetic form, whether some of them are more suited for comfort or saving lives or changing the world. And, well, I may not be entirely objective about Japanese forms either, but to me they seem to touch something very profound despite their brevity and apparent simplicity. When I read Basho or Issa or any number of haiku and tanka poets, I feel that sudden connection between the everyday and something timeless and universal.
I enjoyed reading your thoughts and reflections Marina and everyone before me ~ Like some of you, poetry came during the dark season of my life here in Canada ~ It was a way to cope with the challenges, but through time I have learned writing and sharing it have become very enjoyable and sociable ~ I have gotten to know people through poetry and have become blogger friends with them ~
Thanks Marina for an interesting discussion ~
And that is a wonderful example of another way in which poetry can take us out of our shells, help us to make real connections to real humans and other poets!
Poetry for some of us, did not save our life; for as an exercise/exorcise it is life, at least an integral part of it. I have always been a writer, from the first English assignment, through three stints at college, throughout several vocations. Like many before me, initially, I did not write for others; just needed to exorcise the demons, harpies, angels & monkeys of guilt that would attach themselves to me for a time. But in the throes/throat of my retirement, & the decade proceeding it, I began to show my poetics to others beyond close friends & family. I remember reconnecting to old girlfriend at one point, & I asked her how she was. “I’m pretty good, even though I seem to be in the club of women whom you have broken up with, leaving us with your damn poetry that we secretly hide now, & continue to read.” Hell of a left-handed compliment in its way.
I began writing when very young and through university and then …. stopped. I started again a few years ago, like you to exorcise demons. And I have to laugh at the ex-girlfriend club….I have several ex-boyfriends from university, one who connected on FB and lord help me, it’s why I hate FB, and said, he still had the poem I wrote him centuries ago and he never ever threw away. I think we write, like you said Glenn, because it is who we are. Shy to show others and then when not called a poetic pathetic buffoon but actually taken seriously, to become more brave and open with our words. And I changed my identity and changed my profile!!!!
Oooh, I love that thought: poetry is life, a way of life, it doesn’t have to save it. As for not writing for others – that is still how I feel today about some of my poetry – there is the shareable part and then the part that I am reluctant to share, unless it becomes almost impenetrable.
I don’t know about poetry saving lives but it definitely enriches the soul x
I found this interesting blog which mentions the topic and think you might like to read it too: https://johnfoggin.wordpress.com/2015/10/11/readings-and-open-mics-a-beginners-guide/
Thank you for the link, Polly. I’ve actually got a reading coming up in November, so this will be useful for that too!
It’s an interesting article on a number of levels—glad you’ll find it useful, Marina, and good luck with the reading 😊
Well said. I did think (in a very British way) that the claim of ‘saving lives’ might be a tad dramatic, but our lives would certainly be drab and poor without it.
Poetry has been the only place I constantly tell the truth. It may have saved me from attacking someone.
A bold and frank statement, thank you for your honesty!
What I have learned is that the first burst of ‘ranting’ or letting off steam, if you will feels tremendous, especially if I have no one to tell. (or have difficulty trusting someone)
Then there is this other place I go to in the writing process. @MarinaSofia said, about saying it without just blurting it out. There is a challenge to stretch and create something new. I suppose it is akin to working the hands in clay. The only difference is we have words to use and the sculptor has to bring across feeling without words.
Maybe that is why it has been so fun to work with the disciplines of small poetry. If left to myself I’d rant and rave and go on for days. But sometimes a few words can be more powerful than just raging.
This has helped my bouts of depression because I have created, I have formed, and I have stretched my brain past where it wanted to go. It would rather complain and mope.
Excellent distinction you make there – and I too have a tendency to blurt out and rant and complain in the first instance. I have to be constantly told to tone things down… and poetic form or minuscule form does help to tame the beast a little!
A little! But he growls all the same ^_^
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this exchange. Whatever path we choose to be creative is, to me, a means of expression that communicates and reflects with others the essence of our souls. Therefore, as said above, universal and timeless. Most often it is an uplifting force that bridges gaps between people, nations, worlds. It is a gift.
I agree, Kathy, it is a gift!
What a wonderful way of expressing it – a gift indeed, to discover that there is something that binds us despite all our differences.
I have often forgotten poetry. But, thankfully, I believe that poetry has ever once forgotten me!
er, make that *never once…