Leslie Fiedler

Why is that we no longer write or read or appreciate poetry? Has our life become so dull and prosaic?

In literature all over the world, poetry has been the popular medium. In modern times, there are not many who are capable of writing and appreciating good poetry. Even in YA, there are not many who show any interest in poetry. Why? Is it because, we have lost the poetic sensibility and sensitivity necessary for poetry and our life has become very dull and insipid so much so that we cannot appreciate it. We have fallen a victim to sensual pleasures and we cannot really come out of the mire of vulgarity and commercialism of the modern day.

Public Comments

1. first, thanks for the word prosiac, I'll use it soon. Second, I disagree. I think there is a lot of poetry being written these days, Just gotta know where to look. I dig a lot of what you are saying however and agree with your sentiment. Poetry is a wonderful medium and many people are simply too lazy to take the time to understand it. Blame it on MTV...
2. Now, first I would caution about using the word, "we" in generalization. I feel that there are still quite a few of us out there that do enjoy a good stanza or two. But I do agree that poetry has fallen by the wayside, and I think that it is due to the frantic speed of our lives. Through technology we have enable amazing things. The fact that I'm writing this from China right now makes that perfectly clear. That also means that we are able to receive response to our queries immediately. If I could have the internet, or maybe just all the books in the world, or maybe just all the comforts of a 21st century lifestyle, at the speed of one in the 17th, I'd take it. The slower pace allows one to stop and contemplate what is happening, instead of immediately responding to it. That is what life should be about, and what poetry is at it's base: the ability to observe and appreciate the feelings, the substance that our momentary existence is comprised of. I think we--excuse me, scratch that--I think I need to stop and smell the roses.
3. I beg your pardon: many of us do appreciate poetry. There is a good internet site called 'Allpoetry" I think where you can read the poems (both classical and up to date) of people. You will have to sign up first.
4. Well, some of us do write but there are not many readers or appreciaters and it cant travel as fast as video clips on youtube. I think thats why. I have been writing poems but dont know how to promote them. here is a link to my site. http://kabeerarora.blogspot.com/
5. People have lost interest in it. Many women still read it though, like myself. When times became modern, people did other stuff like, games, school, friends, sports, etc. If like poetry, don't give up. The love of poetry will enter the world again soon.