World Poetry Day

21st March 2023

World Poetry Day celebrates a style of literature as old as language itself, spanning all cultures and continents. With stylistic forms and sub genre’s developing and evolving from generation to generation. Poetry has been used to highlight and express issues of the time, evoke an emotional response and inspire calls to action. To demonstrate the potency of words nonsensical poems such as the Jabberwocky have also been used in a light-hearted manner to portray humour.

It was for these reasons UNESCO (United Nations Education, Science, Cultural Organisation) decided at its 30th General Conference in Paris in 1999 to dedicate a day to all forms of poetry. Its purpose is to support

“….linguistic diversity through poetic expression and increasing the opportunity for endangered languages to be heard….  occasion to honour poets, revive oral traditions of poetry recitals, promote the reading, writing and teaching of poetry, foster the convergence between poetry and other arts such as theatre, dance, music and painting, and raise the visibility of poetry in the media. As poetry continues to bring people together across continents, all are invited to join in”.

If you think poetry is not for you then think again, because lyrics in songs use the same/similar techniques and styles as those used in poetry. Adding catchy rhythms, tempos, & melodies to enhance the impact and emotional states of the listener.

So, will you be doing something for World Poetry Day?

  • Perhaps visit your library and browse their poetry collection and see what appeals to you, or visit Literature Online to see what poetry works are available to listen to or read.

Just for Fun:

  • Who is your favourite Poet and why?
  • Do you have a favourite poem?
  • Do you have a favourite style of poem writing?

I’ll go first:

  • No
  • Tom Tantol’s version of John Clare’s poem I am, left a lasting impression on me. I still very much enjoy listening to the piece and the depth of meaning that is hidden within its words and delivery.  Check it out on YouTube here.
  • No

References

World Poetry Day | UNESCO

History of poetry – Wikipedia

By Mo Almas

Interested in The Poetry of the WW1 War Poets? Here at Edinburgh Napier University, we have a stunning collection of their works. Check out the webpage here: War Poets Collection, or read some of the amazing posts on our blog:

National Poetry Day 6th October

The War Poets Collection: Siegfried Sassoon and Dr Brock

Image by Image by cromaconceptovisual from Pixabay