POETIC WHISPERS: SIMPLE WAY OF EXPRESSING DARK TRUTHS

 "Amid the chaos of world where freedom of expression is in bounds poetry becomes the microphone of our true words"

                                                                                                                     ~Zarkash Farooq

What is Poetry?

   Poetry is a diverse genre that does not contain a single definition; every age and every scholar has their own variation of its definition. Some prominent literary figures define it as: 

T.S, Eliot,

"An escape from emotions"—something that can drive our attention away from the brutalities this world has to offer. 

William Wordsworth,

"The spontaneous overflow of powerful emotions"—something that is driven from our core—a memory we hold special or a recollection that strikes us. 

Ezra Pound,

"News that stays news"—he gave and wrote the most innovative poetry; he emphasized the timelessness of poetry.

Emily Dickinson,

 "A loaded gun"—something that looks simple but is thought-provoking, that can alter the internal wires of our brain, something that challenges convections.

How Poetry Expresses Darkest Truths- A Short Tour from History

Hearing or reading the word poetry, we often think of nature, romance, heroic portrayal, and philosophy, but it is not limited to that; rather, it has the power to express even the most complex of concepts in the simplest of words. It is a poet's wordplay through which he or she highlights the shortcomings of society, political upheavals, the dark nature of human beings, the marginalization of certain sectors of society, and so on. Here are some dark truths that are covered under the layers of beautiful words:

 

Social Commentary, 

Poetry is a way to express the harsh realities of our society, which result in present disparities and the status quo of our society. A fine example of this can be observed in the following lines:

"What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up liken in the sun?"

~Langston Hughes (Harlem)

The following verses highlight the frustration and disillusionment African Americans have to face because of deferred dreams and highlight the social standing of African Americans in pursuit of their dreams. 

Political Resistance,

Throughout history, wars, rebellions, and conquers are accounted for in poetic verses (either to support the cause or raise a voice against it in a silent manner). A fine example of this can be observed in the following lines:

"You will ask why doesn't his poetry.

Speak of dreams and leaves

and the great volcanoes of his native land?

Come and see the blood in the streets."

~Pablo Neruda (I'm Explaining a Few Things)

The following verses paint the scenario of violence and bloodshed during the Spanish Civil War and raise a voice against the fascism the Spanish had to face during that time, the atrocities committed in the name of freedom and other ideologies, and an offsite appeal for social justice.

Exploration of Human Suffering,

Poetry serves as a means to explore the very essence of human sufferings, from individual experiences to social traumas. Poets, with their characterized words, delve into the realms of loss, grief, struggles, dissolution, etc. A fine example of this can be observed in the following lines:

"Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,...

Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs

And towards our distant rest began to trudge."

~Wilfred Owen (Dulce et Decorum Est)

The following verses portray the impacts of war on the physical as well as psychological health of soldiers. Their rugged appearance narrates their poor condition on the battlefield, where they are left to fight with little backup. It evokes the dehumanization of soldiers and their despair, and it presents the point that fighting wars is not as heroic and superfluous as society presents it to be. 

Voicing Marginalized Perspectives,

Poetry has always been a platform where voices for the marginalized are raised, their struggles are highlighted, and their experiences are shared. Poetry is full of instances of the rights and struggles of women, then colored individuals, immigrants, etc. A fine example of this can be observed in the following lines:

"You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your words,

you may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still, like air, I'll rise."

~Maya Angelou (Still I Rise)

The following verses explain the plight of women in society, especially an African American woman who is marginalized by not only her culture but also that of white women. This poem is a resistance against the adversities and oppression any African American female has to face in society.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, poetry is a vast genre that can encompass a variety of subjects. It isn't necessarily a romantic or just emotional response, but it has the power through its words to delve into deeper tunnels of society, individual life, and history. The above points identified that poetry could discuss dark themes but have a lighter outer tone, just to keep up the pleasure of reading poems.

Author: Zarkash Farooq

BS English Literature