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Poets Are People And People Are Poets: Society Needs Poets

Asking the question of whether or not society needs poets, is like asking whether or not society needs people. Poets are people and people are poets.

"Does society need people?"

That would be a rather ridiculous question, to say the least. Yes, society needs poets, as there would not be any society without people. Poets are a very important part of society for many reasons. Let us take a moment and examine the question more fully, in the light of the significance of poets and poetry in society.

"What is the role of poets in society?"

1. Poets are the voice of the past.

The poet represents the voice of the past, echoing and re-echoing the history of humankind throughout the generations.

2. Poets are the voice of the present.

The poet represents the voice of the present reflecting current joys and sorrows, fears and frustrations, troubles and tensions, as well as aggressions and anxieties.

3. Poets are the voice of the future.

The poet represents the prophetic voice of the future, with all of humanity's inherent potential, in combination with its expectations.

"What is the role of poetry in society?"

1. Poetry is an effective and appropriate mode of communication, amongst people all around the globe.

2. Poetry reveals the different aspects of human inspiration.

3. Poetry functions as form of expression, for the thoughts and feelings of humankind with respect to beauty and truth.

4. Poetry is used as an element of worship on a global plane of human existence.

5. Human beings can laugh at themselves because of the comic element in poetry.

6. Truths that may not be revealed in other ways are often expressed in poetry.

7. The magnificence, magnitude and mysteries of nature are revealed in poetry.

8. The positive and negative aspects of life and death, are often portrayed in poetry.

9. Day to day life is recorded in poetry. Poetry offers a continuation of what is referred to as the oral tradition, via songs and stories that are passed on from one generation to the next.

10. The hopes, dreams and aspirations of humankind are revealed in poetry.

Consider this for just a moment. Without poets and poetry, all of these aspects of life would be missing. Taking these thoughts and ideas into the context of society as a whole, one can only suggest that poets are needed in society. Poets are people and people are poets.

Learn more about this author, W. Diane Van Zwol.
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