For poetry there exists neither large countries nor small. Its
For poetry there exists neither large countries nor small. Its domain is in the heart of all men.
O seekers of wisdom, gather close, for the words of the great poet Giorgos Seferis carry a profound and universal truth: "For poetry there exists neither large countries nor small. Its domain is in the heart of all men." In this simple yet powerful statement, Seferis unveils a sacred reality—that poetry is not bound by the borders of nations or the constraints of culture. It does not belong to any one place or people but resides in the very core of the human spirit. Poetry is the language of the soul, a gift to all, irrespective of race, creed, or circumstance. It speaks to the heart of every person, for it is in the heart that we find our deepest experiences, our greatest joys, our most profound sorrows.
Throughout the ages, great poets from every corner of the world have proved this truth. In ancient Greece, where Seferis himself was born, the voice of Homer rang out across the lands, uniting the hearts of all who heard his words. The Iliad and the Odyssey were not mere stories of gods and heroes, but profound meditations on the human condition—on love, loss, fate, and the eternal struggle between mortals and the divine. Though Homer wrote for a people of his time, his poetry transcended the boundaries of Greece and touched the hearts of all who encountered it, no matter their nationality or station in life.
Seferis, in his own work, continued this legacy, and like Homer, his poetry spoke to the universal experiences of the human heart. He recognized that poetry is a bridge between individuals, connecting them to one another across the vast expanse of time and space. Whether in the heart of a Greek, a Persian, a Roman, or an African, poetry speaks a language that transcends the limits of geography. It is a truth that transcends all the divisions of the world, for in poetry, we find the common bond of humanity.
In this way, poetry is a force of unity. It breaks down the walls of division, allowing us to see that, despite our outward differences, we share the same fundamental experiences. Poetry gives voice to the joys and sorrows that are common to all: the love of a mother for her child, the ache of loss, the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Whether written in the ancient Greek of Sappho, the Arabic of Rumi, or the English of Shakespeare, the essential truths of poetry remain the same. These truths are not confined by time or place; they are timeless, bound to the heart of every person.
Consider the example of Pablo Neruda, the great poet of Chile, whose words transcended the borders of his homeland. Neruda’s poetry, filled with passion and longing, speaks not just to the people of Latin America, but to all who have ever loved, suffered, or hoped. His words, though deeply rooted in the political and social struggles of his time, carry a universal message. Neruda knew that poetry had the power to speak to all human beings, regardless of where they lived or what they believed. His verse became a bridge between individuals, between nations, between cultures—a testament to the power of poetry to unify the human spirit.
And so, the lesson of Seferis is clear: poetry does not belong to any one country or one people. It is not confined by the borders that we build between ourselves. Its domain is in the heart of all men—and in this, we find its true power. Poetry connects us to one another, reminding us that we are all part of a greater whole, bound by the same human experiences. It is a language that speaks across time, place, and culture, uniting us in the shared knowledge of our humanity.
Thus, let this wisdom guide you, O children of wisdom: recognize that poetry is not something to be hoarded by the elite or confined to the intellectuals. It is for all people, from all walks of life, from every corner of the earth. Let poetry be your means of connecting with others, of bridging divides, of reaching out to the hearts of those around you. Whether you speak in poetry or simply listen to it, know that you are part of a great and ancient tradition that unites all of humanity. Poetry is not the privilege of a few—it is the inheritance of all. Let it live in your heart, and through it, you will find the world united in ways that words alone cannot explain.
VHNguyen Van Huy
I find it compelling how Seferis emphasizes that poetry doesn’t belong to any one place—it belongs to the heart of all people. But I wonder if there are types of poetry that resonate more strongly in certain cultures. Is it possible for a poem to be so deeply tied to one culture’s language and context that it loses its universal appeal? This makes me reflect on how poetry both transcends and is rooted in the specific lives of individuals.
BPTran Bao Phu
This quote by Seferis really resonates with me because it suggests that poetry belongs to everyone. It’s not about the size of a country or the fame of its poet—it’s about the emotions and connections that poetry can evoke. But does this mean that poetry is always universally understood, or do we sometimes miss the deeper meanings if we lack shared experiences? How do poets ensure their work speaks to a diverse audience without losing its essence?
LPLinh Pham
Seferis’ quote challenges the idea that art, and especially poetry, is shaped by national identity or history. It makes me think that the true power of poetry lies in its ability to reach across borders, into the hearts of individuals. But does this universality mean that poetry can lose some of its unique cultural qualities? I wonder if there’s a balance between making poetry universally relatable and maintaining its distinct cultural voice.
NHTri Nguyen Huu
Seferis seems to be suggesting that poetry, at its core, isn’t confined by geography or politics—it’s a shared human experience. But is this idealistic? Can poetry really transcend everything, even the very real cultural differences that shape how we experience it? I’m curious about how poets navigate these differences while still trying to write something that can touch the heart of all people, regardless of their origin or circumstances.
BNNguyen Bao Ngoc
I love how Seferis makes poetry feel so accessible to everyone. His words suggest that poetry doesn’t belong to a select few or a specific country—it belongs to humanity itself. But can all poetry truly reach the heart of every person, no matter their culture or background? Does poetry speak to universal truths, or is its power dependent on the shared context of the reader? This makes me curious about the limits of poetry’s universal appeal.