Why is poetry often neglected? - Ariana Pataki's Blog

Hello everyone,

I'm delighted to be back on Poetry Soup, and I've prepared a new blog to share some thoughts that have been on my mind for the past few months. Life has thrown a lot my way, and amidst all the chaos, there's one aspect that has significantly affected me— the neglect of poetry.

I've touched upon this topic in a previous blog titled "Why Do You Waste Your Time Writing Poetry," but today, I feel the need to delve deeper into it. As a teenager navigating the halls of high school, I've found myself  in the study of classic poets such as William Blake, Antonio Machado, and Edmund Blunden. While these literary giants have contributed immensely to the world of literature, it's disheartening to witness the lack of enthusiasm my classmates and friends show for their work.

Teachers often place great emphasis on these classic poets, considering them pivotal figures in the literary realm. However, the sentiment among my classmates is that this subject is boring and pointless. The stereotype surrounding an appreciation for poems, novels, and literature, in general, has led to a rather unfortunate label – being a nerd. Unfortunately, I've been on the receiving end of this term MORE times than I care to count.

Just a few days ago, while peacefully engrossed in "Leaves of Grass" by Walt Whitman during a break at school, I was called a freak for choosing to read instead of scrolling through my phone like everyone else. It left me feeling offended, as if enjoying a good poetry book was somehow a sin. Should I apologize for finding solace in the written word? It's a question that seems absurd, yet it highlights the attitudes towards those who choose to engage in reading and writing.

Surrounded by teenagers who neither read nor appreciate literature, I find myself feeling somewhat out of place. The general consensus among my classmates is that reading is a waste of time, with their focus squarely on social media, technology, and video games. While I acknowledge everyone's right to spend their time as they see fit, the judgment that follows for not conforming to their interests is disheartening. It seems that deviating from the norm automatically labels me as a freak or a nerd.

Having only recently started writing poems, I've come to realize the extent to which they are underestimated. In my eagerness to improve my craft, I approached my teachers for guidance, hoping they would help me improve my skills. Unfortunately, my literature teacher's response was pretty harsh, dismissing my passion for poetry as a mere hobby with a casual, "Oh, how sweet. You write poems? Good for you. Why would I want to read them?" In that moment, my sense of purpose felt utterly diminished.

It's disconcerting to witness poetry being treated not as an art form but as a mundane activity relegated to the elderly. Which is a silly stertiotype! At just fifteen, the value of my poems is often undermined because of my age. This sentiment reached a peak when I aspired to publish a book, only to be met with laughter from a publisher who found the idea of a book written by a 15-year-old girl amusing.

Yes, I am young, but that doesn't equate to being naive or lacking the ability to express myself. I've written almost three novels, each surpassing 200 pages, and accumulated over 50 poems. While I may not consider myself a superlative writer, the dismissive attitudes I encounter hinder my growth and discourage me from pursuing my goals.

In a world that seems to prioritize the tangible and immediate, the art of poetry often takes a backseat. It's my hope that through sharing my experiences, we can foster a greater appreciation for the written word and encourage a more inclusive environment for those who find solace and inspiration in the beauty of poetry.

Thank you very much for reading. I'm always down for a chat, let me know your point of view in the comments. Also my Soup Mail is open.

Have a lovely day!

Ariana Pataki!