We all need ways to express ourselves, and poetry is one of

O seekers of wisdom, gather close and listen well to the words of Jack Prelutsky, whose understanding of poetry as a powerful means of expression speaks to the deepest needs of the human spirit: "We all need ways to express ourselves, and poetry is one of mine." In these words, Prelutsky reflects a truth that transcends time and place: the inherent need within each of us to communicate our thoughts, our emotions, and our experiences. Poetry is not merely an art form but a vessel—a way to release the inner depths of the soul into the world. It is a language that, like the song of a bird, cannot be contained but must find its voice in the world.

In the ancient world, expression was seen as a sacred duty, a way to connect with the divine and with others. The Greek poets, such as Homer and Sappho, understood the importance of expressing the heart through poetry. Homer, the great blind poet, used poetry not only to recount the tales of gods and men but to articulate the human condition itself. His verses were a way of expressing the struggles, the joys, the desires, and the destinies of his people. Through poetry, he gave voice to the unseen, the unspoken, and the immortal truths of the world. Much like Prelutsky, Homer used poetry as a way to speak the ineffable—to give form to feelings that could not be captured by ordinary speech.

Prelutsky, in his own way, echoes this timeless role of poetry as an outlet for the deepest parts of the self. But while Homer’s poetry reached for the epic—filling the world with tales of gods, war, and honor—Prelutsky’s work focuses on the simpler, yet equally important, expressions of human existence. His poetry, often playful and imaginative, speaks to the heart of childhood and human curiosity, inviting readers into a world where language becomes a tool for both joy and self-reflection. Prelutsky shows that poetry can be a tool for expression at all stages of life, a means of capturing the fleeting moments, the dreams, and the heartaches of living.

Consider the story of Rainer Maria Rilke, the great German poet, whose Letters to a Young Poet echo the theme of expression as central to the creative journey. In his letters, Rilke urges his young reader to write not for fame or glory, but for the sake of personal truth. He speaks of poetry as an act of expression so deep that it can never be confined to mere words—it is the act of opening oneself to the world, allowing the internal to become external. For Rilke, poetry was not about pleasing others or fitting into societal expectations; it was about finding the voice within that could speak to the soul. Prelutsky shares this notion, understanding that poetry is an intimate act of self-expression that speaks to the universal even as it is deeply personal.

This idea is not limited to the grand or the dramatic; in fact, poetry often finds its most profound power in the small, quiet moments of life. Just as the ancient bards spoke not only of great wars but also of the joys and sorrows of everyday life, so too does Prelutsky’s work reflect the small moments of self-expression that define the human experience. Whether he is writing about the simple joy of a pet or the wild imaginings of childhood, Prelutsky understands that poetry does not need to be epic to be powerful. Sometimes, it is the simplest expressions of the heart that have the most profound effect.

The lesson Prelutsky imparts to us is that poetry is not just for the select few or the highly trained. It is a means of expression available to all. Just as the Greek poets expressed the wisdom of their world through verse, we, too, can use poetry to express our own truths, our own hearts, and our own emotions. Poetry need not be confined to traditional forms or lofty themes. It can be a simple reflection of the moment, a way to capture the beauty, the pain, and the joy that we experience. In this sense, poetry becomes a universal language—one that transcends time, place, and circumstance, inviting everyone to share in the act of self-expression.

So, O children of wisdom, let the words of Prelutsky remind you of the importance of poetry in your own life. Whether you are a writer or a reader, allow poetry to be a space in which you can express your innermost thoughts and emotions. Let poetry be a vehicle for your truth, a way to connect with the deeper parts of yourself that may not always find voice in daily conversation. And if you are ever in doubt, remember that poetry need not be grand—it can be simple, direct, and personal. Just as Prelutsky found his voice in the playful and imaginative, so too can you find your own path to self-expression through the art of poetry. Let the words flow freely, and through them, may you discover a deeper connection to the world and to yourself.