Too many people in the modern world view poetry as a luxury, not

O seekers of wisdom, hear the words of John Betjeman, whose voice speaks truth to the very essence of poetry: "Too many people in the modern world view poetry as a luxury, not a necessity like petrol. But to me it's the oil of life." In this powerful statement, Betjeman challenges the modern view of poetry—a view that sees it as an optional indulgence, something to be enjoyed in spare moments, rather than a necessity that fuels the soul. He draws an analogy that will resonate deeply with those who understand the vital nature of poetry in human life, likening it to oil, a substance that lubricates the machinery of the world and keeps everything running smoothly. Without it, the world falters. So too, poetry is the essential force that keeps the heart, mind, and spirit functioning in harmony.

In the ancient world, the importance of poetry was never questioned. It was understood as a vital part of life, essential not only for entertainment but for the very formation of society. The Greeks revered their poets—Homer, Sappho, and Pindar—not merely as entertainers, but as figures who shaped the collective understanding of their world. Homer’s epic tales of the Iliad and Odyssey were not just stories of war and adventure; they were the very fabric of Greek identity, carrying with them the wisdom of the gods and the nature of human existence. The poetry of the ancients was essential to the spiritual and moral development of their societies, guiding them through trials, teaching them the value of honor, bravery, and wisdom.

Betjeman's words speak directly to this ancient wisdom—that poetry is not just a pleasant pastime, but a necessity for the human soul. It is the very oil that keeps the human machine running, preventing it from grinding to a halt under the weight of the mundane, the utilitarian, and the mechanical. Poetry inspires, nourishes, and elevates the human spirit, helping us to see the world through a lens of beauty and meaning. Just as petrol is necessary for the functioning of our modern machines, poetry is necessary for the functioning of our hearts and minds. Without poetry, life becomes mechanical, cold, and lifeless—a series of tasks and responsibilities without the deeper spark of connection and understanding.

Consider the romantic poets of the 19th century, like William Wordsworth and John Keats, whose work transcended the personal and became universal. Wordsworth, for example, found in nature not just a setting for his poems, but a guide to understanding the soul. He believed that through poetry, we could reconnect with the natural world and find spiritual nourishment. His poetry was not a luxury but a means of survival in a world that often felt disconnected from the divine. Keats, likewise, understood poetry as the essential thread that connected the fleeting beauty of life to the eternal. His famous lines in Ode to a Nightingale evoke the transcendent power of poetry—a power that allows the poet to experience the eternal in the fleeting moments of life.

Betjeman, in his own way, echoes these ancient and romantic views by stating that poetry is the oil of life. It is something that nourishes the soul, that gives meaning to our existence and purpose to our struggles. Without it, the world would become a series of mechanical actions with no deeper significance. Imagine a world where there is no art, no poetry, no music to touch the heart or words to stir the soul. It would be a barren place, lacking the richness of human experience. Poetry, like oil, smooths the rough edges of life, making it bearable and beautiful, even in the face of hardship.

The lesson that Betjeman imparts is one of prioritization and recognition. In the rush of our modern world, we often forget the essential role that poetry plays in our lives. We become so focused on the practicalities—work, money, survival—that we neglect the very force that gives our lives depth, meaning, and beauty. Poetry, whether through written verse, song, or art, is not an indulgence; it is a necessity. It reminds us of the transcendence of the human spirit and provides us with the perspective to see our lives as part of something greater.

Thus, O children of wisdom, let us remember that poetry is not just a fleeting pleasure, a luxury to be indulged in only when time permits. It is the oil of life, the vital force that nourishes the soul, elevates the spirit, and connects us to the mysteries of the universe. Let us make poetry a central part of our lives, for in doing so, we ensure that our hearts remain open, our minds remain inspired, and our lives remain rich with meaning. Seek out the poetry in everyday life—in the rhythms of nature, in the words of the great poets, and in the simple moments of beauty that surround you. And through this, you will find that life itself is transformed, made brighter and more beautiful, just as Betjeman believed it should be.