So, I’m trying to read a bunch of poetry this year. I’m reading a few a day and logging them on a list. My inspiration as a child to write, actually came from the poet of the romantic period, Lord Byron. I will get into him more in a separate substack post.
Usually I read epic poems and study their subtext. Homer's Odyssey, John Milton's Paradise Lost to name two.
Here is a short list of long poems.
"The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" by Homer - Ancient Greek epic poems, foundational works of Western literature.
"The Divine Comedy" by Dante Alighieri - An Italian epic that encompasses the journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise.
"Paradise Lost" by John Milton - An English epic poem that explores the Fall of Man, Satan's rebellion, and the biblical story of Adam and Eve.
"The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer - A collection of stories told by pilgrims on their way to Canterbury, reflecting diverse aspects of medieval life.
"Beowulf" - An Old English epic poem that tells the story of the heroic Beowulf and his battles against monsters.
"The Aeneid" by Virgil - A Latin epic that follows the journey of Aeneas, connecting the founding of Rome with the Trojan War.
"The Song of Hiawatha" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow - An American epic poem inspired by Native American legends.
"The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot - A modernist poem that reflects the disillusionment and fragmentation of post-World War I society.
"The Faerie Queene" by Edmund Spenser - An English epic that combines allegory with chivalric romance.
"Eugene Onegin" by Alexander Pushkin - A Russian novel in verse that explores themes of love, regret, and societal norms.
These longer poems have been handed down through the centuries, influencing literature and culture worldwide.
Now everyone has their favourite poem and art is subjective but I think if you read any of these 10 poems, you’ll agree they are all classics.
Reading novel sized poems isn't for everyone… Hell, short poems aren’t for everyone and at the end of the day poetry isn’t something the masses like to read period. Reading isn’t something most people like to do in general.
Why do you think people don’t like to read poetry?
We all have different motives for liking things. But here are a few common reasons for people not enjoying the same kind of poetry.
Difficulty Understanding: Some people find poetry challenging to understand due to its often figurative language, symbolism, and layered meanings. Poets may use unique expressions, metaphors, and cultural references that can be less straightforward than prose.
Educational Experience: If individuals have had negative experiences with poetry in an academic setting, such as being forced to analyze or memorize poems without a meaningful context, they may develop a dislike for the art form.
Lack of Exposure: Many people may not have been exposed to a wide variety of poetry. Limited exposure to different styles and themes can contribute to a lack of appreciation for the diversity within the world of poetry.
Perceived Elitism: Some individuals may perceive poetry as elitist or exclusive, thinking that it's meant for a particular intellectual or artistic elite. This perception can create a barrier for those who don't feel they belong to that group.
Preference for Prose: People might simply prefer the straightforwardness of prose. Poetry often demands a more concentrated and imaginative engagement, which can be less appealing to those who prefer linear narratives.
Emotional Intensity: Poetry often explores deep emotions and complex themes, which can be intense and overwhelming for some individuals. Some may prefer art forms that offer a more straightforward and less emotionally charged experience.
Lack of Connection: Not everyone resonates with the personal or cultural experiences depicted in certain poems. Poetry often reflects the perspectives and emotions of the poet, and if these don't align with the reader's own experiences, it might be harder to connect with the work.
What different styles of poetry are there?
There are numerous forms and genres of poetry, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some of the different kinds of poetry:
Epic Poetry: Long narrative poems that often involve heroic deeds and adventures, such as "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey."
Lyric Poetry: Expresses personal emotions or feelings and is often characterized by musicality and brevity. Examples include sonnets, odes, and elegies.
Narrative Poetry: Tells a story through verse, similar to epic poetry but usually shorter. Examples include ballads and metrical romances.
Sonnet: A 14-line poem, often with a specific rhyme scheme, such as the Shakespearean or Petrarchan sonnet.
Ode: A lyrical poem expressing intense feelings or contemplation, often addressed to a specific subject.
Haiku: A form of Japanese poetry consisting of three lines with a 5-7-5 syllable count, often capturing a moment in nature.
Free Verse: Poetry without a regular meter or rhyme scheme, allowing for greater flexibility and expression.
Acrostic Poem: A poem in which the first letter of each line spells out a word or message.
Concrete Poetry: The visual arrangement of words on the page is as important as their meaning, creating a visual representation of the poem's theme.
Elegy: A poem that mourns the loss of someone or something, often reflecting on themes of grief and mortality.
Limerick: A humorous five-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme (AABBA) and a distinctive rhythm.
Villanelle: A 19-line poem with a specific structure and rhyme scheme, often dealing with obsessive themes.
Satirical Poetry: Uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock people, society, or politics.
Pastoral Poetry: Idealizes rural life and often depicts the beauty of the natural world.
Ghazal: A form of poetry with rhyming couplets and a repeating refrain, often focused on themes of love and loss, originating in Arabic and Persian traditions.
I started this month and 2024 by reading the poetry of Dylan Thomas. I knew of his work but couldn’t really name any of his poems, until I realized he wrote. "Do not go Gentle into that Good Night."
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
This poem is famous for its powerful and emotional expression of defiance in the face of death. Published in 1952, the poem addresses the universal theme of mortality and the human struggle against the inevitability of death.
Dylan Thomas (1914-1953) was a Welsh writer renowned for his emotionally charged poetry. Born in Swansea, Wales, Thomas gained recognition for his distinctive use of language, rich imagery, and intricate rhythms. His work often explored themes of life, death, and the transient nature of human existence.
Thomas's poetry is characterized by its lyrical beauty and complex wordplay, reflecting a deep appreciation for the musicality of language.
Thomas's life was marked by a turbulent personal journey, including struggles with alcoholism. His readings, characterized by his resonant voice and dramatic delivery, contributed to his popularity. Despite his relatively short life, Dylan Thomas left a lasting impact on the world of literature, influencing subsequent generations of poets with his distinctive style and exploration of profound existential themes.
So I’ll continue reading the book, Dylan Thomas Collected Poems 1934-1952.
It is easy to read short poems while reading longer novels and give you a nice break to the longer narratives and is like a reading vacation.