What Happened to Poetry?

This weekend I read the intriguing book, “The Great Lover” by Jill Dawson.

Rupert Brooke, the early 20th century British poet was the subject of this fine novel. His life, unfortunately, was short lived, as he died early on in World War 1. What I have been ruminating on since reading this book is, what happened to poetry? Jill Dawson brought back the flavor of the times when poets were national heroes, when people were anxious to read a new book of poetry by a nationally know poet. Rupert Brooke published poems and was nervous about what the public’s reaction would be, because he knew many people would be reading and analyzing them. He became a national british hero, especially after the war and his poem, “The Soldier” became very well known:
‘If I should die, think only this of me:

That there’s some corner of a foreign field

That is for ever England….’

According to Ms. Dawson school children in England learn this much loved poem . It does seem cheezy to us now, but to revere a poet and wait for his poems to be published, where has that feeling gone? I don’t like to be a cynic, but it seems now the biggest excitement is about poorly done movies, sensational media stories or anti intellectual mega best sellers.

I love poetry and actually ask for books of poetry for gifts, but I know I am in the minority. My recommendation is for more people to check out poetry, be mindful of good literature and read, read, read!!

Read more musings at: Follow Your Passion.