You might have dozed off in your English class while discussing poetry. Non-English majors have always found poetry boring. But this art has its unique influence and is far from boring. It has a great impression on the works of literature. On the world poetry day celebrated on 21st March worldwide, I would like to throw spotlight on this art. I started writing poetry few years back and it changed my life in a way that I couldn't realize soon. Attending local poetry slams and listening to other people reciting their poems, gives a unique feeling of satisfaction. Poetry as an art has been bringing down the language barriers and political borders.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge defined poetry as "the art of apprehending and interpreting ideas by the faculty of imagination"(poetrysoup.com). The earliest form of poetry was sung or recited in order to memorize oral history. However, the evolution of poetry has been liberal and welcoming to everyone. Later on, it took an imaginative turn which consisted of visualization and realism. It can literally help you escape reality. Here are some facts about poetry you should know,

1) The epic of Gilgamesh is often cited as the first poetry in history dating back in 18th century BC originating from Babylon.

2) Mahabharata is the longest poetry in history with 1.8 million words.

3) Among the many forms of poetry, haiku is the most famous. Originating from Japan, haiku has only seventeen syllables. The first and last lines contain five syllables each and the middle line has seven syllables. The other types of Poetry are ballads, carol, elegy, epic, free verse, octave, etc.

4) Benefits of writing and reading poetry:

a) Poetry can improve your vocabulary and cognitive function

b) Writing Poetry can lead to self awareness.

c) Many therapists advise their clients to practice reading and writing poetry to heal anxiety.

5) It is easier to write than other forms of prose.

On this World Poetry day, I would like to celebrate one of my favorite poems by Maya Angelou Why the caged bird sings,

The free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wings
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.


But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.


The caged bird sings
with fearful trill
of the things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill 
for the caged bird
sings of freedom

The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.


But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing

The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.