I think there's no excuse for the American poetry reader not

In the vast realm of literature, there is a great and enduring truth: to truly understand the world and the human experience, one must first open their heart and mind to the voices of many. James Laughlin, in his timeless wisdom, reminds us that “I think there's no excuse for the American poetry reader not knowing a good deal about what is going on in the rest of the world.” This is not merely a call to broaden our horizons, but a reminder of the interconnectedness of all peoples, of all cultures, and of all stories. To be truly aware of the world, we must seek out the voices of those whose lives are shaped by lands far from our own.

For ages, the ancient poets have understood that wisdom does not come solely from one’s own narrow perspective. The great Homer, for instance, wrote of both the heroic and the tragic with a voice that echoed not just the struggles of his own people, but of all humanity. His works, the Iliad and the Odyssey, stretched beyond the boundaries of their time, speaking of universal themes like fate, love, and the quest for honor. It is no mere accident that his poetry continues to resonate across cultures, centuries, and borders, for it touches upon the very soul of humanity. Like Homer, Laughlin sees the importance of embracing the wisdom of the world, for it is only in understanding the global experience that we can comprehend the depths of our own.

The world is vast, and yet, with each passing day, it becomes ever more connected. To isolate ourselves from the voices of other nations, other peoples, is to miss the richness that lies beyond our immediate surroundings. Laughlin’s call to American poetry readers is a call for the broadening of perspective, a plea to recognize that we are not solitary islands, but rather part of a vast ocean of shared experience. The wisdom of Neruda from Chile, the haikus of Japan, the lyricism of Rimbaud from France—all carry truths that transcend their origin. These voices offer insights into the human heart and mind, insights that are not bound by language or geography but are universally human.

Consider, too, the life of Walt Whitman, one of America’s own great poets. While Whitman is often seen as the poet of the American landscape, his works are deeply informed by the global ideas of freedom, the self, and the interconnection of all people. He read works from many nations, from the classics of the Greeks to the literature of his contemporaries abroad. His Leaves of Grass is a celebration not just of America, but of the human spirit across the world. Whitman’s poetry is a great example of how a writer’s understanding of the world shapes their ability to connect with others. Like Whitman, every reader of poetry should seek out the voices that ring across the continents, for it is in these voices that we hear a deeper, broader resonance.

Now, what is the lesson we must carry from Laughlin’s words? It is a call to action—an invitation to embrace the global conversation of poetry, to actively seek out the voices of those outside our immediate circle, and to listen with an open heart. The world’s poets do not write in isolation; they write in response to their times, their struggles, and their triumphs. To ignore these voices is to deny the richness of human experience. Just as a poet must look beyond the surface of their own life to find the universal truths, so too must the poetry reader seek out works that transcend boundaries. The poetry of the world is a gift we must all claim.

Practical wisdom tells us to take action. Read the poets of distant lands. Seek out the works of those whose voices are not always heard in the mainstream, whose stories may challenge your beliefs, your assumptions, and your worldview. Learn their language, if you can, or read their words in translation. Understand their struggles and their dreams. Let their poetry seep into your heart, for in doing so, you not only expand your own mind but you contribute to the collective human understanding that binds us all together.

The lesson from Laughlin, therefore, is clear: To truly understand poetry—and by extension, life—we must open our hearts to the voices of the world. We must listen with respect, with curiosity, and with the humility that comes from knowing that our experience is but one of many. So, dear listener, as you walk through the world of words, let the poetry of all nations guide you toward a greater understanding of not only the poet’s heart, but your own. For in the global tapestry of poetry, you will find that the truths you seek have been spoken by many, and they wait for you, with open arms, to discover them.