On National Poetry Day, we celebrate poetry’s ability to move and inspire us. For many young people, poetry might seem outdated or complex. They might think of figures like Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, or Sylvia Plath when they think of poetry. But poetry is much more than historical figures and ancient texts.
Today, poets like Dua Lipa and Benson Boone are reshaping our understanding of poetry. Their music, including songs like “New Rules” and “Beautiful Things,” demonstrates that poetry is alive and well in modern culture.
Historically, poetry began as oral storytelling. Before printing presses and written scripts, people used poetry to share stories, connect with others, and convey their experiences. Poetry was accessible and universal, reaching people from all walks of life, whether through epic tales in royal courts or simple rhymes shared in community gatherings.
Throughout history, poetry has tackled every topic imaginable, from love and morality to politics and scandal. It has always been a powerful tool for expression and communication.
Although publishing once limited poetry to educated circles, it adapted and thrived. Over time, poetry evolved in form, tone, and subject matter. It even helped shape early celebrity culture, with figures like Lord Byron using their poetry to build their public personas.
In the digital age, poetry remains vibrant and relevant. Modern pop stars, from rock to rap, use poetic lyrics in their music. Poetry readings and online platforms like TikTok have also revived interest in verse. Social media allows poets to bypass traditional publishing and reach audiences directly.
However, this digital shift has brought challenges, including issues of plagiarism and concerns about AI-generated poetry. Despite these concerns, the essence of poetry—the heartfelt expression and personal touch—remains irreplaceable.
AI can generate poems, but it cannot replicate the human experience that poetry captures. True poetry comes from the heart, mind, and imagination, not from a machine.
So, on National Poetry Day and beyond, engage with poetry created by people. Explore it online, but most importantly, experience and create poetry yourself. Embrace the unique words, rhythms, and emotions only you can express.