Can Real Poets Make a Living?

The question of whether poets can realistically make a living through their craft is a complex one with no straightforward answer. Yes, there are indeed routes through which poets can build sustainable careers, but the path is often circuitous and requires a blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and perhaps a bit of luck.

Teaching and Advertising

One avenue for poets to earn a living is through teaching. Teaching poetry at the college or university level can provide a steady income, depending on the institution and the educator's expertise. Additionally, poets can offer workshops, seminars, or writing retreats to earn money while sharing their passion for verse with aspiring writers.

Another promising field is advertising. Poets have a unique ability to craft memorable jingles and slogans. Brands often seek these creative words to stick in the minds of consumers, making poets valuable in the world of marketing.

Making a Million with Music

Music can transform a poet's work into a lucrative endeavor. While it is well-established that much of the verse heard and remembered is actually song lyrics, the world of music opens doors to significant financial rewards. Setting poetry to music, whether it be through songwriting or other musical compositions, can lead to impressive earnings, as evidenced by the success of countless artists whose lyrics are beloved by listeners.

For those with a knack for melody and rhythm, combining poetry with music can yield a path to fame and fortune. However, this route demands not only great writing skills but also the ability to collaborate with other musicians and producers.

The Myth of the Poet as a Best-Seller

Unfortunately, writing and publishing verse alone, such as books, periodicals, or performances, rarely leads to a sustainable living for most poets. The vast majority of poetry audiences are not interested in poetry for its own sake. In fact, the mere mention of poetry can drive potential readers away in droves. This is not to say that there is no place for poetry in the modern world, but it is a challenging market.

The exceptions to this rule are ekphrastic or embedded verse, which can be found in visual art or multimedia forms. However, these forms of poetry are quite rare and can be complex and niche, making them difficult to pursue as a main source of income for most poets.

Making a Living on Personal Terms

For those practitioners of poetry who do not aim to make a living strictly from their craft, a different approach is needed. Many poets, including myself, prioritize the act of sharing and the spiritual blessing that comes with it. I believe that the blessing a poet receives is not just in the writing itself but in the act of sharing the poem. This belief has led me to publish over 3,400 poems on the PoemHunter website, a platform that does not require any payment or service fees from poets.

The poems I share are intended to bless and inspire readers and reciters, and are freely available for download and sharing. The goal is not to make money, but to share something meaningful. The website's visitors can even donate to charities at their own discretion, providing additional support to those in need.

My own expenses over the last 45 years have been covered through my other work, meaning that the effort to share poetry is driven by a sense of duty and purpose rather than financial necessity. The spiritual realm embracing acts of goodwill and favor can be a powerful force in sustaining the art of poetry.

Investing in Others

Another approach is to invest in the literary and artistic community by supporting those who do make a living from their writing. In theatrical terms, this can be referred to as being an 'angel' to aspiring poets, rather than a sponsor. Supporting their ventures through financial, logistical, or promotional means can help these poets thrive.

While some poets may dream of launching satellite TV channels or building vast literary empires, the reality for many is more modest. However, every little effort counts, and the love and support from the community can create a ripple effect of goodwill and favor.

A Call to Action

So, for those who share a love for poetry but struggle to make it their primary source of income, consider these options. Whether teaching, collaborating with musicians, or investing in the community, there are ways to find fulfillment and support in the world of poetry. Remember, the true value of poetry lies in its ability to bless, inspire, and connect people, and these are profound rewards in their own right.

Let us all contribute to the betterment of the poetic community, one poem at a time, and let the blessings and smiles continue to pass from heart to heart.

and