Why Isn't Poetry My Thing? A Confession from an English Teacher

These days, with the multitude of entertainment options available, such as streaming music, watching movies and shows, and engaging in video games, it's easy to overlook the quiet pleasures of poetry. Yet, it's surprising that even in today's digital age, many people still find solace and joy in the lyric form when it comes to songs and poetry. But for me, as an English teacher with a passion for well-crafted prose, poetry poses a different challenge.

My Reluctance to Read Poetry

Perhaps it might seem surprising, but I don't particularly enjoy poetry. The rhythmic cadences and abstract language often leave me feeling disconnected or frustrated. Reading poetry is not something I would choose to do unless I had a compelling reason.
In reality, I do read poetry—a lot of it. More often than not, it appears in my daily feed, much to my surprise. However, my preferences when it comes to poetry are selective. Recently, I was required to study a poem on Remembrance Day in an English class, and the poem in question was Dulce et Decorum Est.
This powerful piece vividly depicted the horrors of war, with soldiers struggling through muddy trenches and the tragic death of a fellow comrade. The imagery was stark, and the silence that followed the video was heavy, reminiscent of the gravity of the events depicted.

The Reality of Hating Poetry

Despite my love for the written word and elevated language, I have to admit that I hate poetry. While I can appreciate the beauty of rhythm and rhyme, metaphors, and figurative language, I often find these elements more accessible in narratives with clear plot structures. Unfortunately, in poetry, the intended meaning can often feel elusive, leaving me wrestling with dense and confusing material that fails to captivate my attention.
There are exceptions, such as the poem "One Art" by Elizabeth Bishop, which I find deeply moving. But these instances are rare, and I frequently find myself struggling to engage with most poetry. As a teacher, I have to balance my personal feelings with the needs of my students. I often teach a poetry unit almost every year, but I'm well aware that it's not my favorite subject. Some students love it and gravitate towards it, but others are turned off by its complexity.
Ultimately, with a growing list of books to read and an abundance of self-help literature, I choose not to devote precious time to poetry. It's not that I believe poetry is inferior; rather, I simply prefer more engaging and accessible forms of literature.

Exceptional Poetry: A Few Favorites

There is, however, a select few poems that I truly enjoy. "Annus Mirabilis" by John Keats, for instance, is a beautiful ode to the unity and fleeting nature of natural beauty. Another is "Dulce et Decorum Est" itself, which offers a powerful and unambiguous portrayal of the horror of war. These poems resonate with me in a way that many others do not.
My passion for prose and clarity does not diminish the beauty of poetry; it simply highlights my own personal tastes and preferences. Each form of literature has its unique charm and value, and there is joy to be found in every style of writing. I appreciate the countless poets who enrich our culture with their words and invite others to explore the world through their eyes.