The Poetry of Life!

Poetry, music, dance, theatre and free speech capture the happiness capsule that Life has provided mankind. Even the most tragic of events hold forth in their arms a sheaf of poems, a collection of literature. This is the month we celebrate world poetry day. Poetry captures the deepest feelings of the human spirit – its joy, its wisdom, its failures, its deepest terrors. "By paying tribute to the men and women whose only instrument is free speech..... By giving form and words to that which has none – such as the unfathomable beauty that surrounds us, the immense suffering and misery of the world – poetry contributes to the expansion of our common humanity, helping to increase its strength, solidarity and self-awareness," says Irina Bokova, Director General of UNESCO. World poetry day is celebrated on March 21st as declared by UNESCO. The purpose of the day is to promote reading, writing publishing and teaching of poetry throughout the world. The Romans celebrated poetry on the birthday of the great poet Virgil. Poetry preserves the authentic feelings of people by creating an oral tradition, which often mingles with theatre. Many languages which have no script, like Tulu, my own language, is preserved in the oral tradition. Endangered languages are thus saved for posterity. Poetry breaks down barriers created by conflict. It makes us realize that as human beings, our innermost desires and feelings are the same. More translations into commonly read languages like English can bring about better understanding and peace in the world. Each celebrates Poetry Day in his own way. An Austrian coffee company offers a deal for coffee drinkers to pay with a poem. Last year, 1,00,000 coffee drinkers in 27 countries paid for their coffee with a poem. As a creative art often set to music, poetry makes us capture the most beautiful and elevated thoughts of our time on earth. So get involved in poetry recitals. Publish poetry promote the synthesis of poetry with other arts – theatre, dance, music and painting. And why not start writing poetry? Dr. Rekha Shetty Author of “Everyday Happiness Mantras” and And “Happy Street”