Poetry Readings

 

“I think that in poetry people of different countries and different
languages… acquire an understanding of each other, which,
however partial, is still essential.”
— T.S. Eliot
 

Most of us already have a pretty clear idea of what poetry is.

Poetry is a form of literary expression that uses language, rhythm, and imagery to evoke emotions, convey meaning, and capture the beauty of the human experience.

There are a wide variety of forms, from epic poetry to sonnets to limericks. But, for the purposes of this Introduction to Literature course, I am less interested in you learning about specific forms or literary eras. I hope, instead, that you will begin to develop a lifelong appreciation — and a sensitive ear — for the poetry that surrounds us all.

Many contemporary readers seem to find poetry a bit too rarefied to even take notice of, much less enjoy. “Too much fancy,” one young man told me.

Yet, I find this response ironic, because we swim in poetry throughout our everyday lives. Poetry is everywhere.

Do you remember any of these old sayings and aphorisms? Do you think their poetic phrasing might be part of why we remember them so well?

  1. “Actions speak louder than words.”
  2. “Pretty is as pretty does.”
  3. “Every cloud has a silver lining.”
  4. “Good things come to those who wait.”
  5. “Haste makes waste.”
  6. “Kill two birds with one stone.”
  7. “No pain, no gain.”
  8. “Out of sight, out of mind.”
  9. “Practice makes perfect.”
  10. “The early bird catches the worm.”
  11. “Two heads are better than one.”
  12. “When it rains, it pours.”
  13. “You can’t judge a book by its cover.”
  14. “You reap what you sow.”
  15. “A penny saved is a penny earned.”

Similarly, do you recognize any of these advertising slogans?

  • “Just do it.” – Nike
  • “Think different.” – Apple
  • “The Happiest Place on Earth.” – Disneyland
  • “I’m lovin’ it.” – McDonald’s
  • “Because you’re worth it.” – L’Oréal
  • “Open happiness.” – Coca-Cola
  • “Impossible is nothing.” – Adidas
  • “A diamond is forever.” – De Beers
  • “Believe in better.” – Sky
  • “The world’s local bank.” – HSBC
  • “Quality never goes out of style.” – Levi’s
  • “The fabric of our lives.” – Cotton Incorporated
  • “The art of performance.” – Jaguar
  • “You’re in good hands.” – Allstate
  • “Eat fresh.” – Subway
  • “Inspiring the extraordinary.” – Medtronic
  • “Grace, Space, Pace” – Jaguar
  • “Ideas for Life” – Panasonic
  • “Because change happens.” – Zurich
  • “Taste the rainbow.” – Skittles

If not truly “poetry,” are they not, at least, poetic?

Isn’t that touch of poetry the thing that makes each so suggestive, meaningful, and memorable?

 

“Here’s to the crazy ones:
The misfits,
The rebels,
The troublemakers,
The round pegs in the square holes,
The ones who see things differently.

They’re not fond of rules, and
They have no respect for the status quo.
You can quote them, disagree with them,
glorify, or vilify them.

About the only thing you can’t do
is ignore them,
because they change things.
They push the human race
forward.

And while some may see them
as the crazy ones,
we see genius.

Because the people who are crazy enough
to think
they can change the world
are the ones who do.”

Aside from advertising, everywhere we go we hear music. Music and lyrics. Lyrics are poetry, too.

So, first, I’d like you to try to figure out what these poems are saying — what they mean. Keep in mind that they may mean several things, all at once, depending on how you look at them.

Some of these poems are oblique — more suggestive, or lyrical, than making a specific point.

Others are didactic: Offering instruction and specific insights for readers to learn from.

In taking those two approaches, poets may use different approaches to specific phrasing:

  • Some of these poems are intended to be anthemic, like an anthem, and speak in general terms — using vague or general phrasing.
  • Some of these poems use specific sensory details to talk about specific things. And yet, some of those specifics may mean more than just one, specific thing.

So, second, as you read through them, try to note not just what they say, but how they say it.

Then, that may help you to better understand what they really mean.

Course Readings in Poetry (Chronological Order)

Course Readings in Poetry (CHOOSE TEN OR MORE)

 

Other Readings:

Please remember to take notes on all the readings and videos in the course, and take a minute to review all your hard work, daily.