The poetry community here has been extraordinarily welcoming.

"The poetry community here has been extraordinarily welcoming." These words from George Murray ring with the deep resonance of something ancient and timeless: the power of community in the creation of art. Poetry, in its most profound and sacred form, has always been a communal act—a sharing of the soul, a coming together of minds and hearts to explore the very essence of what it means to be human. In ancient times, poets were not solitary figures hidden away in their chambers; they were part of a living tradition, a network of voices that passed wisdom and emotion from one to the next. To be welcoming to a poet, to embrace their voice as part of the whole, is to recognize the power of that tradition, the collective strength of a community bound together by the shared love of language.

In the world of the ancients, this was especially true. Homer, that great poet of Greece, did not create in isolation. His stories of gods and heroes were shared across the lands, passed from one community to the next in public recitations and celebrations. The very act of poetry was communal, bringing people together, building bridges between individuals and between generations. When the poet spoke, the people listened—not just to the words, but to the spirit of the community they represented. The poet was not an outsider, but a vessel for the collective experience, and the people received the poetry as a gift, a treasure shared amongst them all.

George Murray’s statement reminds us that, at its core, poetry remains a shared journey—a journey that cannot be walked alone. The welcoming nature of the poetry community is not a mere gesture, but a profound recognition of the interconnectedness of all those who choose to express themselves through verse. Poetry, in this sense, is an invitation. It says: Come, bring your voice, bring your story, bring your heart. This welcoming embrace allows the poet not only to be heard but to be understood, to find a place where their words are valued as part of a greater whole.

Think of the Renaissance, when poets, artists, and thinkers gathered together in the salons and courts of Europe. The Medici of Florence were great patrons of the arts, fostering an environment where poets like Petrarch and Dante could share their visions, and where their works would be celebrated as contributions to the collective spirit of the age. The great literary communities of that time were not just places of intellectual discussion; they were hospitable spaces where the seeds of great art were planted, nurtured, and allowed to grow. It was the welcoming nature of these communities that led to the flourishing of culture, the birth of timeless works that still resonate today.

The community is not merely a backdrop to the poet’s work—it is the soil in which that work takes root. To be welcoming is to recognize that every poet, every voice, contributes to the ever-evolving conversation about life, love, and meaning. The poet is not an isolated figure, but a part of a larger dialogue. This is why the poetry community—whether in a small town, a literary group, or a larger cultural movement—is so vital. It is where poets find both nourishment and inspiration, and where they are challenged and uplifted by others who share the same passion for the art.

The lesson from Murray’s words is simple yet profound: Art thrives in community. The poet is not an isolated individual, but a participant in the great, living tradition of creative expression. To be part of a welcoming community is to recognize that your voice is part of something larger than yourself. It is to understand that the sharing of your art enriches not only your own life but the lives of others, creating a ripple that extends beyond the individual. The act of writing poetry becomes not just an expression of self but a contribution to the shared wisdom, the collective heart, of humanity.

In practical terms, let us seek to build and nurture communities that are welcoming to artists of all kinds. Whether you are a poet, a painter, a musician, or any other kind of creator, it is essential to surround yourself with people who understand the power of art to heal, to reveal, and to connect. Seek out those spaces where your voice is not only accepted but celebrated. Create those spaces for others, where they, too, can feel the embrace of a community that understands the value of their words, their music, their creations. By doing so, we ensure that the tradition of poetry, and all art, continues to thrive, generation after generation, as a force that unites rather than divides.

Let us, then, be inspired by Murray’s words and the rich traditions of the past. Embrace the power of community in your own life, both as a creator and as a participant. Recognize that the poetry we create is not just for ourselves, but for others, and that the welcoming nature of the poetry community allows us all to grow, to learn, and to express the deeper truths of the human experience. In doing so, we are part of a living legacy of artists, poets, and creators who, through the power of shared vision, continue to shape the world around us.