For many students, and let’s face many adults, reading and writing poetry can be intimidating. It is structured in a different way than regular writing and sometimes there are complicated rules about meter and rhyme. Read the top 5 myths about poetry and let’s bust some myths!
Here are 5 Myths About Poetry:
1. To rhyme or not to rhyme? To put it simply, poetry does not have to rhyme. Anyone who reads modern poetry knows that this is true. However, that does not mean that you should never use rhyme. Some time ago, rhyming poetry fell out of favor. Modern forms of loosened styles of poetry becoming ever more popular and structured meter and rhyme just seemed well… forced and outdated. However, if you’re using a form that dictates a fixed rhyme scheme (like a sonnet or a limerick), then use it. The basic rule is this: if your poem would benefit from rhyming, then do it; if not, then don’t.
2. Punctuation and grammar don’t matter. This is not true! Arguably punctuation and grammar count more in poetry than in some types of prose. Let’s consider what punctuation and grammar do. Fundamentally, the rules of grammar and punctuation serve to help us understand how to use the English language correctly. As annoying or pedantic as learning and using grammar may seem, grammatical norms are important for effective and clear communication. Yes, even in poetry.
Now, that being said, one does not have to be a staunch grammarian to write poetry. Part of the fun of writing poetry is playing with words, structure, and content. And that includes experimenting with grammar and punctuation. So, while conventional grammar and punctuation can enhance a poet’s message, at times the opposite is also true. The rule here is: if your poem would benefit from a variation on grammar and punctuation, then do it; if not, then don’t.
3. Poetry is only written by “dead white men.” This myth tends to originate in schools. In the past, the poetry added to English Language Arts textbooks was generally organized by historical units. And while historically speaking much of the scope of published literature was written by “dead white men,” there is still an abundance of it written by diverse authors worldwide. Textbook companies are becoming increasingly more aware of the need to represent all types of people (i.e. sexes, cultures, and creed) in the scope of literature and that does include poetry. I believe that there is an intrinsic value to learning the history of classic literature as well as studying modern pieces.
To that point, “The Case for Teaching Dead White Authors, Even During Black History Month,” Irvin Weathersby Jr., explains that there is still value in teaching the classics to African American students. He said, “What I needed to express was that reading authors of all races and genders increases one’s chances of actualizing his or her human potential.”
To say it simply: there needs to be a balance. Without negating the classics and their literary merit. We, as educators, need to be conscious of the needs of our students and represent as many diverse authors and writing styles that we can.
4. Poetry is too hard. It may seem that way. Due to the limited number of words, phrases, and lines, poetry is often deemed harder to understand than other genres of literature. And while it is true that some poetry is very difficult to decipher. Just as many poems are simple and easy to read.
I would argue that this is true of all genres of literature, not just poetry. Some short stories or essays are very hard to understand, while others are not. In general terms of poetry, poems are short pieces of writing.
However, reading and writing poetry does not have to be an insurmountable challenge. Like all things worthwhile, reading and appreciating poetry requires practice.
The more poetry one reads the more one will begin to understand the nuances of poetic language. “Readers make the best writers,” is a tried and true expression. By learning from other poets, students can find their own writing voice. Remember that writing good poetry takes time, practice, and a lot of reading.
5. Poetry is obsolete. Much of the foundation of poetry was rooted in revolution. You will find that counter to Nikki Giovanni, revolution does indeed lend itself to poetry. Social and civil unrest has inspired countless generations of poets from the Revolutionaries to modern-day Amanda Gorman. Writing and reading poetry involves our strongest desire… to be heard and valued.
Here are a few poets who have used their words to inspire and enact social change.
Maya Angelou said, “Hate, it has caused a lot of problems in the world, but has not solved one yet.”
Allen Ginsburg said, “The only thing that can save the world is the reclaiming of the awareness of the world. That’s what poetry does.”
And Audre Lorde stated, “I write for those women who do not speak, for those who do not have a voice because they were so terrified because we are taught to respect fear more than ourselves. We’ve been taught that silence would save us, but it won’t.”
Poetry is often sought during and after social or personal crises and these poets demand not only our attention but social change. Poetry is a powerful medium that can initiate social change or raise awareness about our social climate.
Now that we’ve debunked these poetry myths, hopefully, you can see why poetry is so important. Poetry helps us understand and appreciate the world around us. Reading and writing poetry can help students respect and understand people across the globe. Poetry teaches us, not only, how to live, but to better understand others’ perspectives. Yes, poetry indeed matters. It matters immensely!
Be sure to check out my tips on how to annotate a poem!
