Rediscover the Gift of Poetry

The first poem I remember was “The Children’s Hour” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. A simple poem about children lovingly pouncing on a parent in a nightly ritual still evokes a smile from me. 

April is National Poetry month, a time to consider the value of poetry in our lives. I would suggest that if it hasn’t had a place in your life, maybe you could consider trying it. Yes, I know some of you are thinking about the high school class where your teacher told you there was something meaningful in the words of a dark, elusive classic, but to this day, you believe she was totally making it up. Unfortunately, experiences like these left us judging poetry as worthless or our ability to understand lacking.

Mary Oliver brought me back to poetry and my ability to love it. It started with the line, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” When I read it, I had to know more about her and her poems. This led to discovering other poets like Wendell Berry while returning to Carol Lyn Pearson, Emily Dickinson, and E.E. Cummings. 

Google search answers the question, “What is the value of poetry in our lives?”:

Poetry is so important because it helps us understand and appreciate the world around us. Poetry's strength lies in its ability to shed a “sideways” light on the world, so the truth sneaks up on you. No question about it. Poetry teaches us how to live.

Isn’t that nice? I especially like the description that poetry sheds a “sideways” light that sneaks up on you. I would add that poetry slows us down and offers a space for inspiration and maybe revelation. 

Consider adding a poem to your week or your month. The Poetry Foundation is a good website to check out. To help you begin, here is one of my favorites. Read this poem by Mary Oliver, and notice your experience:

Don’t Hesitate

If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy,
don’t hesitate. Give in to it. There are plenty
of lives and whole towns destroyed or about
to be. We are not wise, and not very often
kind. And much can never be redeemed.
Still, life has some possibility left. Perhaps this
is its way of fighting back, that sometimes
something happens better than all the riches
or power in the world. It could be anything,
but very likely you notice it in the instant
when love begins. Anyway, that’s often the
case. Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid
of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.

Isn’t this a wonderful, timeless message! Each line deserves a moment of consideration. I especially like her urging to give into joy when it shows up. Don’t skip over it lightly, but savor it as a meal, not a crumb to be quickly brushed off.

In 110 words Mary Oliver teaches us about mindfulness, hunting for goodness, and gratitude. This is the gift of poetry.