I can see his point. Even though I like studying poetry, I do not read as much as I should. It has certainly been a while since I have purchased a book of poetry and given it my undivided attention.
So my question is: who reads poetry? And why is poetry important?
Going back to my friend, I agree that lyrics are a form poetry, one which dominates our society. Everyone listens to lyrics nearly every single day, traditionally structured with a verse and chorus. We listen to them on the bus, when we do the washing up, maybe even just catching a few seconds as we walk to the shops. While some may be skilfully crafted, deploying a contemporary lexis and conveying a message that is directly applicable to a modern audience, there is a crucial distinction between lyrics and poetry.
Poetry relies on the close attention of the reader, an intimate awareness of language, and a structure that contributes to the overall message of the piece. Lyrics rely on mnemonics to a greater extent. Lyrics want to be remembered and recited at concerts. This isn't to say that poetry doesn't rely on mnemonics, a majority of the poetic canon does, but rhyming is only one weapon in a poem's arsenal.
A good poem is powerful in a number of ways; perhaps it offers a new perspective on a familiar subject, or maybe it expresses perfectly how the reader feels. It can make you feel something new, something you weren't aware you could feel.
To some people poetry may sound old, dusty, needlessly flowery. This is because poetry has a popular, rather dated image as a fusty form with nothing new to offer. The last time you were in Waterstones did you browse the best sellers of maybe the special offers? The one in my town has a decent selection of contemporary novels, from crime to science fiction, but the poetry section is only a couple of shelves tucked away in the top corner. The slim volumes are quite expensive and usually never promoted. If poetry is to be interesting to the modern reader it should be in your face, bold and relevant.
Which brings me round to who reads poetry? It would seem, not enough people. Mainly because it is still a marginalised form that has not really evolved in the market like novels. Novels appeal to different age groups, there are specific genres with target audiences. Poetry needs to start appealing like this. It needs to draw younger readers in, maybe with simpler pieces at first, which would build up an understanding of the form.
If poetry was a swimming pool then at the moment it doesn't have a shallow end.
Want proof that poetry can be modern, fun and interesting? Then click on this link to one of the most famous and amusing contemporary poems by Philip Larkin: http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/178055
If you find it interesting, then branch out and read more of his work, or check out the poems of his contemporaries. It's all out there, just waiting to be appreciated.
