The Death of Poetry

I am currently writing another article entitled: The Death of Poetry, speaking about how important it is to keep poetry in our society... well, I want to know what you're idea's are on this topic, and I may request to use some of what you say within the context of my article (of course, I shall give credit where credit's due) so If you don't want what you say to be repeated, recorded, or quoted in any way, don't post it =] I just want to know how you think poetry is dying (if you even think it is), why you think it is dying, and what you think could bring it back to life (if or if not?).... And anything else that you feel would be interesting to speak about this topic.

The thing is, I think we all seek immortality through words as poets, and sadly... poetry is losing immortality and becoming one of us: Mortal. The scary part is that 18/22 people in my english class did not know that Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, or Edgar Allen Poe were poets (It's hard to believe, but trust me... you should have seen the stumped looks on their faces when my teacher said that we were reading poems by them... they were like, "By Who?"... it scared the living hell outta me.)

I'm scared to die, but it's immortality through my words that I seek the strength that it takes to be willing to die at any age and at any time, and to just leave this life behind. But as poetry becomes as dead as it is getting, It's not only death that I begin to fear, but I, as well, Begin to fear being forgotten.

I hope that you read all this and reply actively and accordingly.

Thanks for reading,
=]
~Stephen White

(please reply)

I'm a little sleepy, and therefore will not really answer this right now, but it did make me think of that thread entitled "poet and society," I think. Did you look there? Some good stuff.
(it's 3-4 pages back - I just checked ; ) )

Within the teenage society yes, alot of people do not know who robert frost is, but give them a name of a hockey player or an old dead guy who started a war they will know the answers that is true. Poetry itself will never die, authors like Robert Frost will never die in thier poetry because there is still the handfull of people who know of them. because even though it seems as if it is dieing there are the quiet individuals who know about the fire burning in thier souls. the truth is that poetry itself will never die because poetry is part of our souls, it is in everyone souls even if they do not allow it to wake from the slumber society has hushed it to sense our first days in school. but once they learn of the power it holds many individuals begin to write and begin to allow the fire to burn wildly out of control. So in reality as long as there is soul poetry will be burning some where at some point of time.

Think back to the authors you mentioned about. when were they born? when did they die? but ask yoruself who was the poets before thier time? who did they look upon just as we looked upon them. it is not the fact that poetry is dieing it is the fact that the world needs new amazing writers to look upon for thier work to inspire to fire to burn all the more wildly with in the human soul.

Those poets you mention live on through you. There will always be new poets to carry on the art.

Poetry will never die.always new will come.they willcome up with new ideas and it will go on.

I agree.........

How on earth am I unidentifiable? Are you saying I am a UFO? =]

In other words, everyone thinks that poetry is just going through a tough stage?

Then answer me this:

My library, since 1999, has suffered a 89% decrease in the checking out of books. Out of 900 students, only 12 people have taken out books in the past 2 years.
There is a whole poetry section in my school library; not one has been checked out in the past three years.

What do you think of that?

It's just like that. In my class no one dares to say they love poetry ,not just a little. they are just afraid to say it,because nowadays poetry isn't cool among youth. But there will always be people who keep it alive and who read it. We can't push people to write it,can we?!

I think literature is on a decline, very much so. When current media techniques are to make the message as short and gripping as possible, elaborate language loses it's place with society, and the thought process for which conversations are held are severely diminished. Coupled with text messaging and the unjust degradation of the english language that it brings, people find it easier to talk without mind or heart, and that is what I think causes the death of poetry.

Poetry will never die, it's very strong and will live on through everyone.

Just look at Shakespeare... once upon a time he was loved, now everyone hates him because they have no clue what he's saying... And don't bring me to speak about Henry Wadsworth LongFellow, who very few know about...

I do thanks to my brother, my brother is very big in the arts. Not poetry, but he made it in the school play and he's going to do a part of Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hide ^_^

You know that Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde #1- you spelled it wrong and #2 Is written NEITHER by William Shakespeare nor Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, right?

FYI: It's by "Robert Louis Stevenson"

=]

I know, but I'm just saying he can do it.

Also where have you been in the club discussion board?

Missing.

I'm scared to go to the DB until I have my Club mod Rights, then I will feel safe again lol!

I remember when I was in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. We had to write poems & poems & poems. All the time. I can't remember the last time I wrote poem because it was an assignment for school. I'm just finishing up my Sophomore year, and I've not written once this year for school. I think poetry is a good way to help kids (and adults) these days to get their feelings out. But now with all the other stuff there is; computers, video games.. That's all they do anymore.

Just my take, of course.

I have never had to write a poem for a school assignment. It's pretty depressing, actually. I've always wanted to....

If everyone across the board would take it seriously it would be a very productive and thought-provoking assignment, no doubt about it.

I agree that poetry will never die, just because famous older poets are becoming forgotten somewhat that is exactly why we still learn about them in school so they will be rmeembered for their great works, also for the fact that never are they forgotten new poets come to help poetry, like a rebirth of a new generation of poets, like all of us on here, amybe someday we will be the famous poets someone will be writing about saying we are being forgotten...yet someone will always care

Poetry is therefore not dead

I agree, poetry is not dying, poetry can never die. words are forever and as long as people need something or someway to express emotions, poetry will survive

You all say that poetry isn't dying, and you reiterate the same statement in different ways and forms. If you believe it isn't dying, then tell me these things:

*How IS it dying
*How IS IT NOT dying
*What can YOU do to SAVE it
*What ARE you doing to SAVE it

=] Don't just say the same thing that the people above you said. You are being of no help to my article if you do so =]