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I have always enjoyed poetry. Some say, "That's because you're a geek!" It may be so. I still love poetry. I love to write it and I love to teach about it and help others to write. There's something about poetry that captures even those who at first may seem unlikely poets or connesueirs of the same. I strongly believe that the genre is timeless and considering the varied forms of expression it provides, I don't see its extinction any time soon.

The power of poetry is the freedom of expression it provides. Of all the literature forms, without a doubt, it's the most liberating. As an author, you rule. For those who are not followers of form and would frown questioningly at iambic pentameter, not to worry! Feel free with verses and find your own ground. With encouragement even the most reluctant can be caught up and drawn in by the compelling force of putting emotions, opinions and yes, stories, down as ideas, visions and truth. Poetry evokes truth. It can be a softer, clearer way to say something or it can be that emotional outlet where the river flows and overpowers the reader and author alike.

Poetry is rooted in life. As long as there are emotional beings to experience it, there will always be poetry. Maybe the problem is the definition. If poetry is only a set form and classical at that, maybe it's future would be somewhat limited. If the idea is expanded though, what about music? Does music still have a place in the 21st century? The lyrics, whether rock, country or blues also provide that emotional outlet that defines poetry's boundaries. Likewise,it does not follow the conventions of more formal writing and pervades every area of our lives.

As a teacher, it never fails to amaze me how middle school boys will fight writing poetry. Yet, give them a "form" to follow and it is a wonder how though succinct, they will produce strong images that capture a moment. Students who struggle with reading and writing, as a rule, are still able to produce the most compelling images. It may be about football or their new four wheeler but because they value it, experience it, they are moved by it and that movement will flow out of them.

The perspective here is that as long as human beings are experiencing life, poetry in some form will persist. If there are writers of poetry, there will be readers. However technological our society becomes, the right brain people will be out there looking for the rhythm of life that poetry captures.

Learn more about this author, Marianne Lange.
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