The Divided Life

When I think of poetry, I envision the classic works written by great poets of the past-poetry that modern educators often label as 'elitist' literature. Such writing may now be primarily found in private schools, especially those that are religious or uphold traditional standards of scholarship and merit. This is a tragedy. Great poetry should not belong solely to a select few; it should be the birthright of all children. Poetry is the language of the soul (consider the Psalms), and since we all possess souls, it is vital for everyone.

This statement challenges the spiritual mediocrity of our current age. Nevertheless, it is crucial to remind people that the language of beauty still exists. If children are exposed to the words, cadences, rhyme, and imagery of traditional poems, they will gain a glimpse of the eternal-a glimpse they will never forget.

Children should learn classic poems by heart. Unfortunately, the current educational system does not favor such methods. However, memorizing poetry is an essential tool for young people, whose memories are naturally retentive. This practice allows them to develop a deep reservoir of linguistic wisdom provided by poetry, wisdom that will stay with them throughout their lives.

I once knew two elderly gentlemen, both proudly working-class, who left school at 14 to enter the workforce. The first, my stepfather, could recite Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere" by heart, even 60 years after learning it at school. When asked for his favorite poem, the second gentleman recited Lord Tennyson's "The Charge of the Light Brigade" with great enthusiasm.