What does poetry mean to you?

This is always the million dollar question - I love it!

For me, I have consistently struggled with letting a situation go in life. I've always felt this need to analyze why someone did something or question my role in the dynamic, etc. But when I discovered poetry, sometimes not knowing those answers is what makes great poetry, because you can just explore the idea and sort of wander around it which is what can make it really poetic. So, what that has allowed me to do is purposefully let the situation be because I know that will serve me a greater purpose in writing. I actually like when certain situations/people are unfinished now because that means I can most likely explore the idea for longer on paper which I love! I also think it empowers you in a situation that would otherwise feel largely disempowering. I can almost say to certain people/situations in my life "that's fine, I'll just go write about it", so I know that I am the one wort of winning in the end which can really help when you're dealing with unsavory characters! haha :)

All of these are fantastic answers! How about yourself, @Pokerpoet Sorrowsong since you asked the question?

For me, poetry is a fantastical bridge that connects the physical realm to the individual psychological one. It is an avenue to turn anything unpleasant or mundane into something beautiful, timeless, unique and moving. I think it's there to evoke emotion, entertain, impress readers and academics, provide new ideas, challenge certain concepts, and invent metaphors to happenings we cannot express in any other better way. Some people write reports and theses on how certain things in the world work, but poets explain it by what their heart is telling them. No science, or even reason- just pure emotion, a wild imagination and a boundless stream of consciousness doing all of the work.

And, in a nutshell, writing poetry just feels good.

I wish I could have some sort of profound answer but I started as a personal experiment during covid lockdown to see if I could learn something new, (actually how I found Adam's videos on YouTube), and I just haven't been able to stop.

An interesting question,because my answer changes anytime I'm ask a question such as this.

Nowadays,its experimental.

If my last poetry cove series,and upcoming one on March 14,12:00 A.M GMT,taught me anything is commit to new experiences. Which starts with surrendering to a new one none thought existed.

If the Cove save my life,poetry help me to understand theres more to life than living/feeling pain,hate and neglect to name a few. It's the only form of language that never lied to me.

In a way,it's a form of expression for me,and even though I am looking for more ways towards other forms of expression,won’t count out that poetry was my first form of expression.

Its not really just a fun way to play with words,its also a way to use your voice,especially in times such as these.

Also,as I said before,experiment with different experiences you been through and experiences you have imagine.

Which is what I have been able to do with this current phase of my poetry,as it doesn't require me to write as much as I use to.

Which just means I can commit to do other activities, test out techniques and feel things outside of staying monotone.

Poetry for me is an outlet for me to express all my life experiences through my own eyes, but with a bit of an artistic twist. I've used it in the past for all sorts of reasons. From journaling, reflecting on troublesome events, capturing a still moment in a painting of words. The list can go on. So for me, this is my way of artistically expressing myself in hopes that someone else may enjoy it too.

@Pokerpoet Sorrowsong Excellent question!

Personally, poetry is a form of therapy. It's how I process and deal with some intense feelings and memories. And to touch on Adam's answer, it's very much about escapism. I'm rarely bothered when I'm writing and even if what I write is total rubbish, it's still an important experience for me.

As for poetry being a fun way to play with words, playing with words is part of the fun! On Adam's post 'What's the Most Random Poem?' he reminded me that, as a writer, that's an excellent thing to remember. I never think to make up words but as the writer, I can absolutely do that!

Honestly, for me… poetry is the only time I can actually escape everything and everyone. Sitting down and writing about my feelings at the time, or a belief / thought and just being unashamedly honest with myself just really calms me down and soothes me.

Reading poetry is just as important. It makes me feel part of the human race again. I just love it