Poetry: The Art of Words and Emotions

Concept and History of Poetry

Poetry, an ancient art form, is a delicate blend of words, imagery, sound, and emotion. From ancient poems carved on stone and tree bark to modern verses, poetry always reflects the realities of life, human emotions, and social issues. The history of Vietnamese poetry, for example, spans many periods, from folk poetry with courtship songs and legendary stories, to Đường luật poetry, Nôm poetry, Modern poetry, and contemporary poetry, each period bearing its unique mark, reflecting the changing society and ideologies.

Types of Poetry

Poetry is diverse with many different genres, each with its own characteristics in structure, rhythm, and content. Some popular poetic forms include: Lục bát poetry, song thất lục bát poetry, free verse, haiku, sonnet… Each genre has its own rules, but all aim to convey the poet’s emotions and message.

Lục Bát Poetry:

A traditional and familiar poetic form in Vietnam, it has a strict rhythm and rhyme, easy to read and remember, often used to tell stories and express feelings.

Free Verse:

Unbound by poetic rules, rhyme, number of lines, or number of words in a line, it reflects freedom and spontaneity in creation.

The Role of Poetry in Life

Poetry is not merely verses, but an indispensable part of human spiritual life. Poetry helps people express their emotions, feelings, and thoughts in a subtle and profound way. It helps people understand themselves and the world around them. Poetry also has an educational function, raising awareness and fostering patriotism.

Poem Writing: Basic Steps

Writing poetry is not easy; it requires sensitivity, observation skills, imagination, and language refinement. To write poetry, you need to start by observing and experiencing life, recording your emotions, images, and thoughts. Then, you need to find a suitable poetic form, organize your ideas, and choose words that fit the content and chosen poetic form. Finally, reread and edit the poem for perfection.

Conclusion

Poetry is a priceless treasure of humanity, the voice of the soul, the sublimation of words and emotions. Exploring and appreciating poetry not only helps us understand literature better, but also helps us live a more beautiful and fulfilling life.