Is Modern Poetry Really Going Strong or Declining?

The question of whether modern poetry is thriving or in decline is one that often leads to energetic debates among literary enthusiasts and scholars alike. While poetry has never been as accessible as it is today, with numerous platforms for writing and sharing, its popularity and influence seem to wax and wane depending on the context and perspective.

Explosion of Poetry Writing

According to various online resources and platforms, there is indeed an explosion of poetry writing. Websites, blogs, magazines, books, videos, readings, and even poetry writing groups are becoming more accessible than ever. Platforms like the The Poetry Foundation, American Life in Poetry, Famous Poets and Poems, and Poetry 180 provide a wealth of resources for those interested in both writing and reading poetry. Even Poets House, and Hello Poetry have platforms where contemporary poetry can be discovered and contributed to.

Thriving Through Song Lyrics

On one hand, more people are writing poetry than ever before. However, the demand for poetry itself seems to be missing. Very few people can quote a 21st-century poem, and very few poets are known to the general public. In this context, poetry is not dead but is thriving in a unique form: song lyrics. Songs, which are often a form of poetic expression through music, have become incredibly popular. Artists like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Lorde have elevated lyricism, with song lyrics being among the most widely consumed forms of poetry in modern times.

One striking example is the poetry collection The Hypertexts, which is considered one of the best contemporary poetry collections online. Despite this, the traditional forms of poetry reading and writing face significant challenges. Poems are not as widely taught or studied as they once were. Even some English professors might struggle with simple scansion methods, indicating a broader decline in the traditional poetry scene.

Narrative on the Revival of Spoken Poetry

The decline of spoken poetry over the past fifty years was gradual and multifaceted, with numerous factors contributing to its diminishing presence. Despite these challenges, there remains a need for spoken poetry to be revived. Here are five notable books of poetry published in the current month that may help in this revival:

Your New Feeling Is the Artifact of a Bygone Era by Chad Bennett Little Envelope of Earth Conditions by Cori A. Winrock Homie by Danez Smith Summer Snow by Robert Hass

Your New Feeling Is the Artifact of a Bygone Era

Your New Feeling Is the Artifact of a Bygone Era by Chad Bennett explores themes of longing and complex identity. Poems like "O light music poetry plague" and "Silver Springs" (a periodic poem about Fleetwood Mac) showcase Bennett's masterful control over lines and syntax. The collection is a testament to a poet who not only offers emotional clarity but also uses poetic inversion to captivate the reader. The final page, which simply reads, "Do you know who you are," serves as a poignant and thought-provoking challenge to the reader's self-awareness.

Little Envelope of Earth Conditions

Little Envelope of Earth Conditions by Cori A. Winrock is a diverse yet unified collection that explores the relationship between human beings and the natural world. Poems such as "In a copse the deer's body is glass" and "Aubade for Future Resurrection" provide a deep sense of both connection and distance from the environment. The collection's exploration of synthesis and loss resonates with readers who seek to understand the mysteries and visions surrounding nature.

Homie

Homie by Danez Smith is a powerful collection that marries elegy with ebullience. Poems like "o California" and "ode to gold teeth" underscore Smith's ability to navigate the complex emotions of loss and hope. The collection is not only emotionally resonant but also politically aware, making it a valuable addition to contemporary poetry. Smith's lines will both hypnotize and awaken the reader, offering a unique perspective on friendship, loss, and resilience.

Summer Snow

Summer Snow by Robert Hass is a rich and evocative collection that highlights the poet's interest in the language and imagery of place. Hass's poetry, inspired by authors like Wendell Berry and Gary Snyder, is characterized by self-awareness and a deep connection to nature. Poems like "Stanzas for a Sierra Morning" and "Cymbeline" illustrate Hass's ability to craft both art and reflection. His consideration of death and the natural world is both graceful and profound, making this collection a valuable read for poetry enthusiasts.

In conclusion, while modern poetry may face certain challenges, its digital accessibility and the thriving tradition of song lyrics indicate a more complex reality. The revival of spoken poetry and the emergence of remarkable collections like the ones mentioned above offer hope for a renewed appreciation and understanding of poetic art in the modern world.