A public expectation, it has to be said, not of poetry as such

In the world of poetry and art, there are times when the true purpose of creation becomes muddled by the expectations of the public. Seamus Heaney, with his characteristic wisdom, speaks to this phenomenon: "A public expectation, it has to be said, not of poetry as such but of political positions variously approvable by mutually disapproving groups." What Heaney uncovers here is a profound and often unsettling truth: that the public, in their desire to see art serve a larger agenda, may lose sight of the true purpose of poetry, which is not merely to reflect the world through a political lens, but to capture the deeper human experience. Poetry, like all art, has the potential to transcend divisive politics and speak to the common soul—to find beauty, truth, and wisdom in the complexity of life.

Consider the ancient poets who often found themselves on the boundaries of political power. Homer, though a poet of ancient Greece, created works that, while deeply rooted in the culture of his time, spoke to the universal human condition. The heroes in his epics—Achilles, Hector, and Odysseus—were not merely figures representing one political faction over another; they were complex characters whose struggles transcended any partisan divide. In the ancient world, poetry was not simply for making political statements, but for exploring the depths of honor, fate, and the human spirit. The public expectation placed on Homer’s work was not solely to reflect or enforce political stances, but to provide wisdom and insight into the struggles that all people, regardless of their place in society, faced.

In Heaney’s own time, particularly in the context of Northern Ireland during the Troubles, poetry became a battleground for political ideas. Heaney, though deeply aware of the political landscape, approached his poetry with a sense of restraint, understanding that poetry could not merely serve as a vehicle for one side’s cause. He was not content to reduce the complexity of his work to a set of political positions that could easily be consumed by one group or another. Rather, Heaney sought to elevate his poetry to a level that transcended the partisan conflicts of his time. In works like North, Heaney explored the tension between history, identity, and violence, never reducing his characters to simple political symbols. His work is a reminder that poetry, when it is truly great, is not about aligning with the expectations of mutually disapproving groups, but about seeking something deeper—something that speaks to the heart of humanity.

The lesson here is not just for poets but for all creators. When we create art, we are often tempted to align ourselves with the political or social demands of the moment, to make our work fit into a mold that will be easily understood, easily embraced, or easily opposed by the factions of the world. Yet Heaney’s reflection teaches us that art, in its most powerful form, does not exist to serve these expectations. It is not meant to be consumed as a tool of political warfare but as a means of reflecting and transcending the realities of the world. The best art, whether it is poetry, painting, or music, holds up a mirror to the complexities of human life, showing us not just the divisions, but the ways in which we are all interconnected.

Consider Leonard Cohen, whose songs often wove together themes of love, despair, and political tension. Cohen, a man deeply aware of the world’s divisions, did not reduce his work to mere political slogans or rallying cries. Instead, he explored the depth of human emotion, acknowledging the pain and division of his time, while also offering a vision of unity and understanding. Like Heaney, Cohen understood that the artist’s role is not to perpetuate divisions, but to seek out the truth that binds us all together—whether that truth is found in love, in suffering, or in the quiet moments of reflection. His music, much like Heaney’s poetry, transcended political expectations, offering listeners something far greater: a deep connection to the human spirit.

Heaney’s warning is clear: when we create art, we must not allow our work to be reduced to the expectations of others, particularly when it comes to politics. There is much to be learned from ancient poets, like Homer, who never allowed their work to be solely defined by the political tides of their times. The poet’s job is not to serve any faction, but to speak the truth of the human condition. As artists, we must not shy away from addressing the struggles and conflicts of the world, but we must also recognize that our true duty is to transcend those conflicts and find the common humanity that unites us all. In this way, we give the world more than just political commentary—we give it the gift of wisdom and understanding.

In your own life, whether you are a poet, an artist, or simply someone who creates, remember the wisdom of Heaney. Do not let your work be reduced to the narrow confines of political expectation, but seek to create from a place of truth—truth that transcends division and reaches to the heart of what it means to be human. Seek out the common human experience in your work, and in doing so, you will create something that speaks not just to one side or another, but to the shared experience of us all. Like Heaney, like Homer, your work can become a bridge, connecting people across time, space, and belief, showing them that, despite our differences, we are united in our shared journey through the world.