By Melik
Poetry eluded me for a long time. I never really ‘got it’ until after an extended period of trying to figure ‘it’ out. Even now I am still exploring and learning. I remember taking high school English class and being subjected to what the teacher tried to explain was great writings. I would read it. I knew it was English. I knew the meanings of the words individually, however when it was put in the form of a poem I was perplexed. It was to have the understanding of words as literature that escaped me. I have always looked at things in a linear fashion. If the sun is rising I would understand if it were spoken thusly. To use symbolism left me scratching my head: his slumber was disturbed by the cresting of light; the potential of the day was preceded by the rejuvenating night. What?
Then simply by accident I found that I was surrounded by poetry. It was never explained to me how many different ways a poem can be written and subsequently expressed. Most of us are introduced to the beauty of poetry probably from the time we are born. Nursery rhymes to put us to sleep. Poetry is music. Music is poetry. Music surrounds us. Life is full of lyrical poetry. I feel as if poetry is life. If that life is what you make of it, poetry can be how you deal with it. Poetry does not have to be confusing or boring. Poetry, just as life, can be full of exhilarating excitement that should be celebrated.
April is poetry month. Try some poems on for size. Pick one of your favorite songs and read the lyrics. Try out your reciting skills and read the lyrics aloud. Something that I have learned from my acting experience is that the words take on a life of their own when they are said aloud. It is okay if you sneak into the bathroom to hide from others. You might notice your perspective on the song may change drastically once you have read the words to a song. If you thought you did not like poetry you may realize that you have a deeper appreciation for it than you did before. If you have enjoyed poems then this exercise will enforce your already positive attitudes to the lyrical and poetic combinations of words. Keep the song in your heart and the rhythm in your feet.
Contact Melik at
melik_2001 @ yahoo.com.
