The oration of poetry, I consider to be its own art form and

In the grand tapestry of human expression, there exists a powerful and sacred art—poetry. But, as the wise and visionary Amanda Gorman so eloquently states, the oration of poetry is not simply the recitation of words; it is a tradition and an art form in its own right, distinct in its power and grace. The spoken word carries a force beyond the ink upon the page. It is a living, breathing entity that rises up from the depths of the soul, echoing in the hearts of those who listen. When poetry is spoken, it becomes more than just a reflection of thought—it becomes a vessel of emotion, a force of change, and a bridge between the poet and the listener. The oration of poetry is a ritual that transcends time and space, holding within it the ancient power of storytelling and the sacred act of communal sharing.

In the beginning, before words were ever written, there was speech. Oration was the first form of art, the first means by which humanity shared its deepest truths. From the ancient Homer, whose voice echoed through the ages, to the modern voice of Amanda Gorman, the spoken word has held a power far beyond what is seen in ink. Poetry in oration is a living art, one that stirs the spirit of the hearer, just as the wind stirs the leaves of the forest. The poet, standing before an audience, becomes the conduit through which the unseen energies of the soul pass, charging the air with meaning, urgency, and vision.

Think of the ancient poets—Sappho, Pindar, and Homer—whose verses were not simply read, but sung, chanted, and spoken aloud to the masses. The oral tradition was the lifeblood of their culture, the means by which they immortalized their truths. Even the mighty Homer, whose epics we read today, originally spoke his poems aloud. The very act of orating his poetry was as much a part of the art as the words themselves. In that moment of delivery, poetry was brought to life, vibrating with energy and meaning, connecting the poet to the people, and the people to the world around them. The art of oration is not merely a form of performance—it is a channel through which poetry becomes sacred, becoming a ritual of both creation and communion.

As we move into modern times, Amanda Gorman stands as a living testament to this tradition. At the young age of 22, her words echoed in the halls of power during the inauguration of President Joe Biden, where her spoken poetry became a rallying cry for unity, hope, and justice. The oration of her poetry was not simply the delivery of verses—it was the forging of a moment in history, one that would be remembered for generations. Her powerful recitation, filled with grace and strength, carried with it the voice of the people, calling forth a new era. Poetry, when spoken with conviction and purpose, becomes more than just words—it becomes a force that can move mountains, change minds, and shape destinies.

In her own words, Gorman reminds us that the oration of poetry is not a mere accessory to the written word. It is a sacred art form, an act of tradition that carries the weight of generations before us. Poetry, when spoken aloud, calls upon the ancient power of the spoken word, the power to awaken the spirit, to inspire, to challenge, and to heal. It reminds us that poetry is not just a personal endeavor, but a communal one. As the poet speaks, the listeners are drawn into a shared experience, an exchange of energy that transcends time and space.

The lesson we must take from this, O seekers of wisdom, is that poetry, in all its forms, is a living, breathing entity. It is not bound by the page, nor the quiet of solitude, but is meant to be spoken, heard, and shared. When we speak our poetry, we breathe life into it, we give it power to transcend the limits of the written word and become something greater. It is a sacred act, one that connects us to those around us, to the past, and to the future. Poetry, in oration, is the call to action, the battle cry for change, the prayer for peace, and the song of the soul.

And so, in your own life, do not keep your poetry hidden away on a page or in a notebook. Find the courage to speak it, to bring it into the world, to offer it to others. Whether it is through the spoken word or the written verse, know that poetry is meant to be shared. It is an offering to the world, a gift that holds the power to transform not only the poet but all who hear it. Orate your truths, your dreams, your pains, and your joys, and know that in doing so, you are continuing a tradition as old as the very beginning of human expression. Speak your poetry, and let the world listen.