by Ruth Woodhouse

Created on: February 25, 2008

Poetry is like so many other things in this world today. It may not be held with any regard at all by a large percentage of the population. Many may think it's hopelessly old-fashioned and doesn't have any place in a modern society that is consumed with technological pursuits and so many other sensational attractions of the mind and body. Like church and religion, libraries and books - and lots of other things that were valued more highly in our culture in times gone by, no doubt there are those who say it will go the way of the dinosaurs.

However, there are still a considerable number of people for whom such things as poetry do still matter enormously in the 21st century. These are individuals who find time amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life to get in touch with their inner selves, nourish it and allow it freedom of expression. Believe it or not, too, those who value other things besides materialistic pursuits, modern technology, fame and fortune are not threatened with extinction.

These individuals might not stand out like "tall poppies" such as Bill Gates, Donald Trump, "Posh and Becks", Tiger Woods, Paris Hilton, "Brangelina", Oprah Winfrey - or any number of other outstanding public figures. Their passions may not be recognized, nor their opinions have much clout, compared to those the world regards as supreme examples regarding the things that matter most to society in the 21st century. They don't tend to be featured in the tabloids, nor do their cultural interests rate highly for coverage in the mass media or statistical surveys about modern pastimes.

But they are there, living their lives quietly, reflectively and meaningfully amidst the showy personalities, insatiable hype-addicts and materialistic consumers of the world just the same. They are as innumerable as daisies among the more showy flowers of society. They matter - and so do the treasures they find meaning, richness and sanity in.

Those treasures often include such things as poetry and literature, classical music, art, gardening and creative hobbies that have been passed down from one generation to another for centuries. As long as there are people who continue to find these things significant to their humanity, they will matter as much as ever to our world.

Indeed, in a fast-paced world, where the needs of the soul and spirit are too often ignored to our detriment, poetry may be of even greater value than ever. As time goes by, it could even be that souls will become so jaded and wearied

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