Poetry is an Art

“Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting with the gift of speech.” –Simonides

I definitely view poetry as a form of art. When the word “art” is mentioned, usually paintings are the first thing to come to mind. However, with poetry, words are the medium. It captures the essence of the moment while giving room for multiple interpretations. I like how Simonides chose to describe speech as a gift. Talented poets are able to spin words into a new dimension, another person’s life, or the raw emotions of an individual.

“Poetry is an attempt to capture the essence of the chord struck in the poet by an instant of insight, in such a way that the same music will sound in the soul of the reader.” – Tia Azulay

“Colour is the key. The eye is the hammer. The soul is the piano with its many chords. The artist is the hand that, by touching this or that key, sets the soul vibrating automatically. ” – Wassily Kandinsky

These two must have been thinking on the same wavelength. It’s interesting to see that the purpose of a poet or artist is to reach for the soul of the reader or viewer. In Azulay’s opinion, poetry can never replace the first instances of emotion, but only attempt to replicate past emotions. I slightly disagree with this view. If poetry is successful, then “music will sound” within the reader. If it’s only an “attempt” to capture the experience, then everyone can attempt to convey insight, but most will not strike the chord of the reader. This is why I can’t be a poet even if I wanted to be one – I can’t make music.