Poetry Through Time

Poetry has been in existence ever since humans opened their mouths and opened their minds to express themselves. For centuries, poetry has been one of the leading factors in artistic, cultural, and intellectual movements. 

One of the most popular and earlier eras of poetry was that of the Ancient Greeks from the 7th to 4th centuries. 

Around this time, poets were often dramatists (playwrights and writers) who performed for the ruler and entertained the noble of the community. In the picture adjacent, Homer is being entertained with the poetry of Sappho, one of his followers. This was a common pastime of many artistic ancient Greeks. Some of the most famous poets of the time were Homer, Hesoid, Sappho, Euripides, and several others.

Poetry can be written many different ways. During this time, it was often written as odes, epics, lyrics, tragedy, and even as a comedic pieces. 

"Sing, Goddess, sing of the rage of Achilles, son of Peleus—
that murderous anger which condemned Achaeans
to countless agonies and threw many warrior souls
deep into Hades, leaving their dead bodies
carrion food for dogs and birds—
all in fulfilment of the will of Zeus."

~Homer, The Illiad Book 1

Another very popular and earlier poetry era was during the Elizabethan and ,not surprisingly, the Shakespearean eras. This time was known as the Golden Age of poetry because it was apart of the Italian Renaissance and many other periods of artistic flourishing. One of the most common styles of poetry was sonnets, which were spread by Sir Thomas Wyatt. 

Religious poetry also becomes very popular in this period.  

" Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, and therefore, is winged Cupid painted blind" 

-William Shakesphere, A Midsummer Night's Dream

The period following the Renaissance is the American Transcendentalists (1836-1860) which features Ralph Waldo Emerson and other New England intellectuals like Louisa May Alcott. 

Another breakthrough flourishing period of poetry being highlighted is The Harlem Renaissance. This is one of my personal favorites that I learned about. This period differs from the others in that it features struggle through words. During this time, there was a huge African American migration to the northern areas of America, following World War I. 

Most of the artists were battling and resisting the culture of racism and oppression with their poetry. Of course, one of the most impactful areas that this movement spurred from was Harlem. Artists that led this movement include, but aren't limited to, Langston Hughes, Jean Toomer, James Weldon Johnson, Countee Cullen, A. Brown, and others.

These periods may not be the only ones, but they are, in fact, some of the most impactful ones as it regards to its influence to the lives of many people now. Next time you think about the poems you masterfully construct, remember not to take advantage of your abilities and revolutionize the world with your words.

Until next time,

Kate's Corner Cafe