As a teen girl deeply in love with poetry, I often find myself in a lonely place. While my friends chat about the latest movies, music, or TikTok trends, I’m the one bringing up poetry and writing. Sadly, these conversations usually end with blank stares or quick changes of subject. It's frustrating and disheartening that poetry, a form of expression so close to my heart, feels like a secret language that only a few understand or appreciate.
When I do get the chance to talk about poetry, it’s often with older people—teachers, librarians, or family friends. While their insights and encouragement are invaluable, it leaves me wondering: Why aren’t more young people interested in poetry? How can we change that?
Why Poetry Feels Outdated to Many Teens
Poetry can seem old-fashioned or irrelevant to today’s youth. The way it's often taught in schools doesn't help; classic poets like Shakespeare or Emily Dickinson, while brilliant, may seem distant and unrelatable. There's a misconception that poetry is only about old, dead white men. Modern poetry, diverse voices, and poems that tackle current issues are rarely introduced in classrooms, making it hard for students to see how poetry can reflect their own lives and experiences.
The Role of Schools
Schools play a crucial role in shaping our interests and passions. Unfortunately, many schools don't prioritize poetry in their curriculum. When they do, it’s often in a rigid and analytical way that strips the joy and creativity from the experience. Instead of inspiring students, it can make poetry feel like a chore.
Solutions for Sparking Interest
Schools should update their poetry curriculum to include contemporary poets who write about themes relevant to today’s youth. Writers like Rupi Kaur, Amanda Gorman, and Ocean Vuong use language and imagery that resonate with young people. Introducing these voices can help students see themselves in the poems they read.
Schools could offer poetry workshops and clubs where students can write, share, and discuss poetry in a relaxed and supportive environment. These sessions should focus on creativity and personal expression rather than just technical analysis. Inviting local poets to lead these workshops can also provide inspiration and real-world connections to the art form.
Hosting poetry slams and open mic events at school can make poetry fun and interactive. These events encourage students to perform their work, fostering a sense of community and shared passion. The competitive yet supportive nature of poetry slams can be particularly appealing to teens.
Since young people spend a lot of time online, integrating poetry with technology can be very effective. Encouraging students to share their poems on social media, create poetry blogs, or participate in online poetry challenges can make poetry feel more accessible and modern.
Combining poetry with other subjects can also spark interest. For instance, linking poetry with music, art, or history can show students the broader impact and relevance of poetic expression. Projects that allow students to create multimedia presentations or visual art inspired by poems can make the learning experience more engaging.
Finally, it's important to create a classroom environment that values personal expression and emotional honesty. Students should feel safe to explore their thoughts and feelings through poetry without fear of judgment. Teachers can model this by sharing their own writing and being open about the creative process.
My Experience and Hopes
As a teen poet, I know how transformative and empowering poetry can be. It has given me a voice, a way to process my emotions, and a connection to a larger world of ideas and experiences. I wish my friends could experience this too.
By modernizing the way poetry is taught and experienced, we can show young people that poetry is not just an ancient art form but a vibrant, living way to express themselves and connect with others. It’s about time we give poetry the attention it deserves in our schools and in our lives.
Poetry has the potential to enrich the lives of young people in profound ways. As a teen poet, I have seen firsthand the impact it can have. By updating our approach to teaching poetry, creating more opportunities for creative expression, and making poetry accessible and relevant, we can inspire a new generation to fall in love with this timeless art form. Let's bring poetry out of the shadows and into the hearts and minds of young people everywhere.
Let’s make poetry cool again—because it is. We just need to share that magic with everyone else.