Although poetry is commonly overlooked having been shrouded in modern forms within recent years, it’s in fact an indispensable aspect of human history, with far more to offer than it may seem. So, how exactly has poetry evolved since its initial debut?
Poetry has evolved exponentially over the years and has adapted into numerous forms throughout various eras. The most common and influential factors across all time periods have been an inspiration, personal experiences, world events, and history.
While inspiration and creativity are fundamentally the essences of poetry, there is much more to its evolution than simple wit and style. Secrets, memories, experiences, and much more line between these lyrical lines. Join us as we dive into some of the most valuable and irreplaceable aspects of poetry through the ages, as well as why you should consider reading inspirational poems in everyday life.
How Did Poetry Come ‘To Be’?
Despite the fact that poetry is infamous for striking emotion and goosebumps with strategic and expressive language, it originally acted as humanity’s founding form of historical documentation. Long before humans began formally recording momentous occasions, ancient cultures used storytellers to pass information down to continuing generations.
One of the oldest forms of poetry, the Epic of Gilgamesh, dates back to around 2000 B.C and formed a part of the Sumerian traditions. The initial concept and writing style were actually created to aid storytellers in memorizing key pieces of information.
A whirlwind of poetic magic would begin as more and more cultures began meddling with the concept, with each civilization adding a piece of themselves in each variation. The Greeks and Romans, well known for their love of arts and music, began fusing elements to create something more entertaining while simultaneously documenting beliefs and history around 1200 B.C – 455 A.D.
Since then, every culture touched by poetry pushed the boundaries further and further, experimenting with language and expressions across various classes. A more refined form of poetry finally made its formal debut in the Renaissance period during 1485 – 1660 through the works of Shakespeare and Marlowe, where it formed an integral part of plays, community gatherings, and eventually daily life.
From this point it became widespread, gripping countless diverse cultures over time. It continued evolving throughout the Enlightenment period, the Romantic period, and the Victorian period. By this point, it became something that would empower the people, with a greater focus on creativity, nature, individuality, and free form, founding an incredible basis for limitless evolution within our modern age.
Why Is Poetry So Special?
While its creation is scattered with dates and figures, this is why it’s so irreplaceable. Reading poetry allows us to get a glimpse into history, real-world experiences, and countless cultures – many of which have been lost to time. Still, inspiration is still the driving force behind any of these writings, regardless of their form or style.
Inspiration is the backbone of creativity and stems from all of these influential factors. Daily life in varying societies, experiences throughout momentous periods, and vivid insight with regard to humanity’s complex and mysterious history all spark inspiration whether morose in its sorrow, joyous in celebration, or even hopeful in confusing times.
Exposing oneself to these aspects is incredibly beneficial for the mind and soul, as it allows one to engage their inner creativity, motivation, and inspiration while appreciating that of others in so many contexts and worldly circumstances.
5 Ideas for Inspirational Poem Resilience
Including inspirational poems in everyday life is incredibly beneficial and will surely leave you feeling more in touch with the world we live in since it offers insight into the footsteps of those who no longer walk among us.
- Choose poems that are new to you: Getting out of your comfort zone massively impacts inspiration and perception, which will surely ignite that inner spark again.
- Choose poems that you can relate to: Go for something that strikes a nostalgic or relatable chord within you, as this will aid in developing a deeper understanding of various topics.
- Keep a journal of your poetic experiences: Keep a journal where you reflect on what you have read, and thoughts you may have about the poem or overall setting. Doing this regularly will help practice empathy and compassion, making future poems far more inspirational and enjoyable as well.
- Find a community: Since poetry was ultimately created by the indirect amalgamation of so many different cultures and experiences, joining a community of poetic enthusiasts will surely leave you feeling more inspired and open to poetry.
- Attend poetry events: Much like community poetry will aid in forming new ideas and inspirations, attending poetry events will help you understand various aspects of poetry on different levels, which will surely help you find your inspiration.
5 Poems For Inspirational People
Having been birthed through inspiration, life experiences, and sheer wit, poetry has the capacity to express and embrace inspiration while simultaneously encouraging it within readers.
- Invictus by William Ernest Henley
- If by Rudyard Kipling
- Don’t Quit by Edgar Guest
- Desiderata by Max Ehrman
- How Did You Die by Edmund Cooke
7 Reasons to Talk About Inspirational Poetry
There are numerous benefits for reading poetry and talking about it, which apply to all readers whether you a man, woman, or child.
- Reading and talking about inspirational poetry can improve critical thinking and interpretation skills.
- Inspirational poetry can help improve a drive and capacity for learning.
- It encourages independence, self-awareness, and empathy.
- One can gain insight and develop many ideas through inspirational poetry.
- Talking about inspirational poems can be quite therapeutic and great for developing a sense of community or comradeship.
- Through inspirational poetry, one can understand more about what inspires others.
- One can gain valuable insight into human history and real-world experiences through inspirational poetry.
What Does The Future of Poetry Have To Hold?
Poetry has always been a key aspect of human history, and has allowed mankind to not only pass down stories and experiences but has enabled them to share moments as a community, even within hard times where everyone needed some motivation and inspiration. Having come so far, the possibilities for future poetry are limitless, but will surely be formed by those who choose to embrace its potential.
Despite the fact that the world has changed enormously, humans remain similar in our need for engagement, creativity, and inspiration. Everyone has something to gain from inspirational poetry, and its addition to daily life is certainly invaluable.
