Does Poetry Matter in the 21st Century

Poetry is like an oracle.

With respect to the debate question, 'does poetry matter in the 21st century', this response is in the affirmative. Yes, there are a number of good reasons why poetry matters in the 21st century. If poetry has ever mattered throughout the course of history, it matters just as much now, if not more so, than it has in the past.

"Why is this?"

Consider the following thoughts and ideas about the role of poetry.

There is an element of poetry that has always intrigued and fascinated the human mind. Poetry is a wonderful mode of expression. It is like an oracle that appears on the horizon of life and announces a new reality to the world.

Poetry frequently reveals a solemn word of truth or of divine wisdom, that may or may not have been expressed or recognized as such, previously. Sometimes, it is unexpected when it appears.

People interact through the use of poetry, as poetry is a basic mode of communication, all around the world, both in the form of words that are spoken and those that are sung. As the global population continues to increase, there is more of a need for ongoing communication.

Poetry represents a peaceful, literary mode of expression and communication, while there are many other kinds of communication, that are much less civilized. We always need communication on a higher plane.

The voice of the poet often reflects the voice of the people. Throughout history, there have always been those who have spoken to others on behalf of the people, in the form of poetry.

Often, the words of the poet have been successfully preserved and thus, we have numerous historical records, in the form of various kinds of poetry. Passing on history by means of oral tradition, in the form of poetry, has never  disappeared. The events of the day, as well as the joys and the sorrows of the people are still being recorded in poems and songs.

Poetry often reflects a prophetic voice for the future. It would appear that sometimes, many generations later, there is a prophetic word of some kind, found in the earlier writings of a poet. While the people of the poet's generation may not have been aware that it was a prophecy, it is recognized as such, at a later date.

In many ways, poetry reflects the reality of the various changes, in our era. We live in a world that is continually changing and that change is recorded by poets, in the form of poetry. It is important that change is documented throughout the course of history. In order for our world to become a better, more humane world, we need to be able to see the transition of thinking, by people everywhere and its outworking, in terms of reality's best expression of human thought, which comes to us as love.

Poetry will always have literary merit regardless of its genre and thus, one must conclude that poetry does matter in the 21st century.