Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Interesting question: I love poetry in my native language, French. I love the cadence of the phrasing (excluding a lot of contemporary poems, many of which lack that cadence).

While I've been reading, writing and speaking in English since primary school, and I actually prefer to read prose in English, not in French... somehow I don't really enjoy the cadence of the English language in poetry.

It's the same for haikus: I have a very rudimentary understanding of Japanese, but I feel they only really come into their own in that language. Languages are not interchangeable and don't necessarily shine in every form.

Also, to respond to PP above who doesn't like ballet and classical music... those are artistic forms that have a high barrier to entry. If you didn't listen/watch with people who loved those forms and maybe explained their mechanics and goals, or if you didn't take lessons yourself with a inspiring teacher who could explain the intricacies, then it's understandable you might not have the background to appreciate these works. Classical music is the only music I listen to!

Personally disagree about needing guidance as a way into art such as ballet or classical music. I had no sources around me that would lead me through loving either. My adoration stemmed from simple exposure; I am a spectator, not a dancer, not a musician. Ballet and classical music went into me and never let go. My appreciation led me to learn and understand more--not the other way around.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I read poetry for many reasons.

Have you ever felt a wall of emotion when listening to a song (lyrics and music)?

Have you ever watched someone dance or do math and felt awe?

Has a piece of art demanded your attention or raised a question you hadn’t thought to ask? Offered you another way of seeing?

Reading poetry is kind of like that for me.

Yes, that is it for those of use who read poetry regularly and understand it. Not everyone here is the same.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I like poetry but I don't seek it out. I enjoyed it a lot as a kid and still have my childhood poetry compendium.

Some pros:

I like wordplay, the effort of a well-chosen rhyme, a particularly vivid image

Poetry is time-efficient compared to reading books

Poetry can be part of cultural & history studies since they are shaped by them

Poetry can be sung to music/turned into songs and vice versa

Comic poems exist and are good for a laugh (limericks, etc)

Here's my true confession: I find ballet and most classical music really boring.

Too bad. You are missing out.

Anonymous wrote:I read poetry for many reasons.

Have you ever felt a wall of emotion when listening to a song (lyrics and music)?

Have you ever watched someone dance or do math and felt awe?

Has a piece of art demanded your attention or raised a question you hadn’t thought to ask? Offered you another way of seeing?

Reading poetry is kind of like that for me.

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone like reciting/memorizing? Or listening to it being recited?