^{Photo by Andrea Piacquadio}

Living, breathing poetry may seem nonsensical to the new generation who’s fixated on multiple things. Can poetry still transcend time, even with the emergence of technology and a short attention span? Will it be able to withstand the turbulent changes of society’s tides?

Different from where written and printed literature was at its peak, poetry may have stood on shaky ground since the digital age came. It has become a niche occupation or hobby among a select few enthusiasts. However, it may have been known how it used to be the rampant form of communication and intellectual expression a few decades past. Hence, we must analyze how relevant and essential poetry is.

A small amount of prestige was granted to certain poets who became the pillars of modern poetry we learned in school. They may not be put on the same individual pedestal as visual artists; nevertheless, they commanded a paradigm change in the literary scene.

The unprecedented expansion of other art forms

No matter how flourishing something is, there will come a time when it eventually gets overtaken by another that catches everyone’s eye. Poetry’s critical decrease in relevancy is a crucial but utterly surprising phenomenon. This is attributed to the evolution and prevalence of other art forms such as music, film, photography, painting, etc.

Modern society has placed different values on such art forms, ranging from commercial to elite. However, it will say differently for poetry due to its significant decline in recent years.

What made things change in such a short time?

Technology and ideologies, which are constantly and steadily evolving, may have contributed to poetry’s gradual irrelevance. In the last few decades, music has had the advantage of drawing a larger audience than plainly reciting a few literary verses.

Moreover, poetry has been imbued in music for a long time, even though the art form originally started without it. With the inclusion of “lyrics” in music, poetry can now be recited in a more personal and heartfelt manner that comes with different tunes.

How relevant is poetry still in today’s society?

Although poetry’s massive popularity has lessened over time, that doesn’t mean its existence and relevancy have gone away. Its role in shaping society’s minds and appreciation of the world, the universe, and the individual soul remains intact.

Whether modern society needs poetry is not so much of a grave issue that must be addressed at all costs. Poetry is all around us. It may not be read aloud as much as it used to, and new and improved media may have overtaken it; the relevance of this art still matters.

Poetry must be retained within the mainstream art form since it can still deliver a clear language that touches the human soul. The intellectual capacity of individuals still has the potential to expand, affecting ideals. The power of words will always influence any willful audience, simply with short but sentimental words and lines.

The permanent power of relevant and essential poetry

Poetry still has the power to penetrate the soul and romanticize human existence in a way other art forms fall short of. This is why the process is always unique and systematic compared to the typical prose. After all, a few short lines pack more punches than paragraphs and pages of words elaborating on various human experiences. Poetry’s transformative capacity is evident in how people express their feelings. For centuries, the stretched-out vulnerabilities are laid bare, and each line or phrase uncovers a treasure trove of expressions and concepts.

Reinstating poetry in a technologically advanced world

Although there is a blatant decline in mass appeal, that doesn’t imply that poetry is near extinct. It’s worth noting that the art of literary composition is still significant, albeit for the few who choose to practice and abide by it. Therefore, no one can disregard the impact of relevant and essential poetry worldwide.

As you navigate life’s intricacies, may you find inspired poems in Downer’s book, which beautifully contain insights into complex concepts simplified by poetry. Even if the present generation has difficulty grasping the nature of the soul, may the book successfully guide everyone, the same way the greatest minds of the past have marveled through the reverence of life in poetry.