Day 95: Why I Write Poetry

The form of poetry allows for the existence of a complex idea to be presented simply or a simple idea to be expressed complexly in order to expand a reader's understanding or way of thinking towards a particular subject. Additionally, the form and length of poetry can be simple or complex, from one line to an entire epic. To wit: Poems capture an idea in a well-constructed package.

Many of my creative thoughts are simply that: an idea. There is a message that I am trying to convey to the reader. Some ideas take a thousand pages and some take one. And that idea may not even come across to the reader. The act of reading is the interaction between an author's intention and the reader's interpretation. Some poems are clearer than others, while some are overflowing with metaphors.

The best poems, which probably could be said for all art, are the poems that are relatable, the poems that resonate with the reader. And they are only the best poems for that reader. An artist will never make art that everyone enjoys. But I think it is important that some people enjoy it beyond the artist. Even that, arguably, doesn't matter.

I write for myself and I write for an audience. I write poetry because it is the quickest way to express an idea and, many times, the only way to express that particular idea. What I like about poetry is that there are so few words. That makes every word that much more important. What words a poet uses and in what order is the key to great poetry.