What’s the Purpose of Poetry?

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You can’t hear my words,

You can’t sing along to the tune,

You can’t listen for comfort in isolation.

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You can’t watch my words,

You can’t view the imagery,

You can’t see descriptions as distraction.

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You can only interpret my words,

You can only read my language,

You can only ponder my meaning.

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I have to write down my words,

I have to give them a home.

Otherwise they stick in my brain,

Rambling on top of one another,

Never taking hold of anything real.

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Poetry has a therapeutic purpose for me,

Poetry allows me to accept my own mind.

Yet I still wonder — is that reason enough?

Does poetry’s purpose immerse further?

Could this form of writing assist others?

Not necessarily therapy, but expression.

A simple way to convey thoughts and emotions,

Without drawn out paragraphs full of verbiage?

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You can write poetry:

For yourself

For others

In times of joy

Or great despair.

You can read poetry:

To feel someone else’s emotions

Or bring understanding to yourself.

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No matter how you interact with poetry

I advise you adhere to just one rule:

Poetry must be true.