Poem. Such a simple word defining such a complex phenomenon. This word, “poem” means something different to every individual, making it so hard to define it as a whole.
“Poem – a piece of writing in which the words are chosen for their sound and the images they suggest, not just for their obvious meanings. The words are arranged in separate lines, usually with a repeated rhythm, and often the lines rhyme at the end.” That is the definition found in the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. There’s nothing wrong with this definition, it’s just too simple, superficial.
Two years ago, France Culture made a video called “La poésie, c’est quoi?” (“poems, what are they?”) in which they ask French poets and writers what the concept of a poem means to them. Here are a few of them, translated to English:
“I believe that a poem is high-quality dreams, it’s the art of dreaming and of being dreamed” – Charles Trénet (1966).
“The poetry is the art the most complete, the language the most expressive who passes by all the meanings to go straight to the soul” – Léopold Sédar Senghor (1983)
“Poetry is not something to cut out of my life. For me, poetry is the reality who understands existence and it’s the essence of life who lives inside of us.” – Andrée Chedid (1979)
“A poem is something that we have on our heart.” – Pierre Seghers (1969)
“To the proper meaning of the poem, we add a feeling.” – Nathalie Sarraute (1995)
“Poems are my zone of full liberty.” – Hervé Bazin (1972)
“In each poem, in each poet, there is a passion for the truth.” – Emmanuelle Riva (1978)
“A poem is the wedding between the consciousness and the unconsciousness.” – Jean Cocteau (1960)
“Poem” is such a complex word, but such a beautiful concept. For me, poetry is a way of living, a way of feeling, and a way of yelling. A poem has hidden truths that even then poet never knew about before. There is a quote that I love: “I write because it makes me feel like someone’s listening – or am I finally listening to myself”. This is the beauty of poetry and poems – the art of living, feeling, and yelling.
Editor
Stefania Verdeata
Comments