Why Poetry?
Written to Speak Blog.
Written by Tanner Olson.
@writtentospeak
Why Poetry?
@writtentospeak
One of my favorite parts of my job is sharing poetry at schools for students and teachers.
After sharing a handful of poems I ask if there are any questions.
There are always questions.
And answering them is my favorite.
We often get to talk about the writing process, giving our dreams time, the importance of creativity, and my shoe size.
I don’t know why, but they always want to know my shoe size.
(10.5)
Yesterday I was asked a question I had not been asked before.
“Why poetry?”
The 7th grade boy was curious and genuine when he asked.
His face held this puzzled look as he seemed confused as to why someone would choose poetry as a profession.
When I was in 7th grade, poetry wasn’t cool.
Poetry wasn’t the worst, but it was not cool.
Poetry isn’t as cool as hip-hop.
Poetry isn’t as entertaining as comedy.
Poetry isn’t as thrilling as sports.
I know.
But for all poetry isn’t, it is helpful.
So, why poetry?
For me, there is something freeing about writing poetry.
When I sit down to write, it is almost as if the pages are inviting me to ask the questions, to find the beauty, and to rest in the unknown.
That might have been the most hippie sentence I’ve ever written, but here we are.
Poetry allows me to slow down.
Poetry invites me to spread hope.
Poetry gives me peace.
Poetry moves me to pray new and familiar words.
Poetry helps me to think and be creative.
Poetry leads me further beyond myself.
Poetry brings me in front of others to remind them to keep going.
Why poetry?
Why not?
I launched a Patreon!
Your support allows me to visit more classrooms, write more poetry, and spread hope in new ways!
When you join WTS on Patreon you’ll get exclusive poems & videos, discounts on merch, & more.
Plus, You'll receive free stickers & a personalized poem just for signing up!
W T S
Tanner Olson is a writer, speaker, poet, spoken-word artist, & creator of Written to Speak.
He created Written to Speak to share hope & announce love.