Reclaim the Power of Poetry → By Dawson Vorderbruegge English 9 & English 11 Teacher
GUEST EDITORIAL
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People say that poetry is not useful in our world today. We need more math and science, more STEM education, more practical and career-readiness training for our future jobs. However, it is an unavoidable fact that poetry still has power in our world.
in the songs they sing—they just like the way the words sound and how they fit the rhythm. The real shame is that we lose this social poetry as we grow older. Outside of lyrical music, we relegate poetry to academic study in dusty classrooms rather than enjoying it socially as we did in childhood. And even more recently, with the advent of earbuds, we don’t even listen to the poetry of music socially anymore. For most people, the only time they hear poetry with other people is in the terrible pop muzak that is blared in the frenetic corridors of 1 Whenever students complain that we study poetry, Ala Moana Center. I simply remind them that the highest-paid and All this is to say that we have a duty to reclaim most influential people in our society are poets. the power of poetry in our world. Poetry is what Musicians, especially rappers and rock musicians, separates us from animals and uncircumcised are potent poets who shape the way people think, Philistines, it is what gives our life meaning. If feel, and view the world. If you still think poetry we ignore it, or only receive it in pre-packaged radio-format songs, we fail at isn’t “useful,” try not listening to music for a week and then “I encourage you to read being human. Listening, focusing, and reflecting with others are get back to me. some poetry this St. the traits needed to experience I have a young son; he’s not yet Valentine’s Day. Don’t poetry. Unironically, these are a year old. He’s just beginning also the traits needed to be a fully to understand hearing a few worry if you don’t get functioning and well-adjusted words — “Mama,” “Cheerios,” it... just focus, listen, (read: ‘woke’) human being. and “No Touching” are among and enjoy being part Some of you may object that the most common. But, I’ve of the grand human poetry is difficult, that it just noticed that he has an innate experience.” doesn’t make sense. The beauty love for rhythm and poetry. of poetry is that, just like my infant Often, when he’s in a fussy mood, I’ll sing a song or make up a silly poem for son, who understands a grand total of five words, him. In these moments, he turns to look at me you don’t have to understand poetry to enjoy it. and his body language gets more attentive, more It is perfectly acceptable to simply find pleasure in the words of a poem and be utterly lost in its focused. When he hears poetry, he listens. I don’t think my son is gifted or exceptional in meaning. That’s okay. Don’t think too deeply about this regard. It’s the same with all babies. Children’s it. The more you read, the more you’ll figure out. literature centers around rhyme and sonic features Finally, since love is the most common theme of of assonance, consonance, onomatopoeia, and all literature, including poetry, I encourage you to alliteration. Kids have incredibly astute auditory read some poetry this St. Valentine’s Day. Don’t skills, even before they have a vocabulary, and they worry if you don’t get it. Like my baby son does, pick up these poetic sounds quickly and with joy. just focus, listen, and enjoy being part of the grand Children don’t have to be taught to love poetry. human experience. They just do. In all cultures and at all times, poetry is formative in the lives of children. Lullabies, singa-longs, patty-cake games, and jump rope chants are a few of the many examples of poetry lived out in the lives of children. The beautiful thing is that even when children don’t know what all the words 1 This is why you should attend concerts. They provide are, they still appreciate poetry. Think of those cute cultural value. Something about sitting and focusing videos of kids singing rock music. These little ones your attention on music with hundreds of other people have no idea what complex themes are present is powerful. Go to a concert, it’s worth the money.
Cover Graphic By Blythe Yoshikane (‘18)
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