Poetry, almost by definition, calls attention to its language

"Poetry, almost by definition, calls attention to its language and form." These words from Robert Morgan are a reminder of the sacred nature of poetry, a form of expression that is not content to merely convey meaning through words, but insists upon the beauty, the sound, and the structure of those words. Poetry, by its very essence, does not allow itself to be consumed passively. It demands attention, beckoning the reader not only to understand its meaning but to feel the weight of its language and to marvel at its carefully constructed form. Unlike prose, which often seeks to communicate without drawing attention to itself, poetry is a performance of words, a careful arrangement that cannot be ignored.

In the ancient world, poetry was not just a tool for storytelling but a form of ritual. Think of the epic poems of Homer, whose lines were recited aloud not only for their stories of gods and heroes but for their musicality. The Iliad and the Odyssey were performed with a rhythm that carried the listener through the narratives, with each word chosen not just for meaning but for its sound and impact. The ancient Greeks understood that the language of poetry was sacred—that every word was part of a greater harmony, much like the notes of a symphony. To listen to poetry was to hear something more than just a story; it was to hear the voice of the universe, the pulse of existence.

Poetry, in its purest form, is an art that reveals itself not only through its content but through its form—its structure, rhythm, rhyme, and arrangement. The ancient poets knew that the shape of their words could influence the way they were perceived. Consider the Greek lyric poets like Sappho, whose verses were sung, their form helping to convey the emotional weight of the words. The rhythm and rhyme were not just decorations; they were part of the very meaning. The meter of the poem—the choice of syllables, the pauses, the stresses—was all designed to create a deep, visceral experience for the listener. This is the beauty of poetry: its form is inseparable from its function, and it is in this intertwining of meaning and form that the magic of poetry lies.

Consider also the Shakespearean sonnet, a form that is perfectly balanced, its 14 lines crafted with exquisite precision, each syllable chosen for its sound, each rhyme carefully placed. Shakespeare’s poetry forces the reader to recognize the form as an integral part of the message. The structure of the sonnet becomes a vessel that carries its themes—love, time, beauty—with a musicality that is both deliberate and organic. The power of the sonnet lies not just in what it says, but in how it says it. The form is so tightly woven with meaning that to separate the two would diminish the poetry itself. Every word, every line is part of a greater design, and this is what makes poetry distinct from mere prose.

In our modern age, we often take for granted the beauty of language, focusing more on the message than on how it is conveyed. Yet, poetry continues to remind us that the sound of words, the arrangement of phrases, and the musicality of language are not mere adornments—they are the very soul of the poem. Think of Emily Dickinson, whose poems may seem simple at first glance but, when read aloud, reveal their complexity, their subtle use of meter and dashes to evoke feeling. Her poetry is not just about what is said, but about how the words resonate. The form, the pauses, the rhythm, all work together to create a feeling that prose alone cannot achieve.

The lesson from Robert Morgan’s insight is clear: Poetry demands that we pay attention—not just to its message, but to its language, to its form. To write poetry is to engage in a careful dance with words, where every movement matters, every word carries weight, and every line is part of a larger pattern. The poet must embrace both the structure and the meaning, for they are inseparable. To write poetry is to recognize that form and content are in a constant dialogue, each shaping and enhancing the other.

In our own lives, let us not forget the power of words, of language, of form. Let us appreciate the craft of writing, not just for its message, but for its beauty. As writers, as creators, we must embrace both the meaning and the form of our words, recognizing that the true magic of poetry lies in the union of these elements. When we craft our own work—whether poetry, prose, or song—let us be intentional in our choice of words, in the rhythm, the sound, and the structure of what we create. Only then will we be able to access the full power of poetry, and only then will our words resonate with the timeless beauty that lies at the heart of all great art.