Part 1: Discussing "Can Poetry Matter?"

[ysabetwordsmith]

I'd like to begin my coverage by discussing the seed article and some of its assumptions, which are ... true but incomplete.

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Part 2: Making a Difference with Poetry

[ysabetwordsmith]

Poetry matters to the extent that it influences people's awareness, thoughts, and actions. In order to make a difference, poetry needs to involve a topic that people care about, and say something meaningful about it that makes them look at things in a new light. Sometimes this is primarily about entertainment, which is a perfectly good reason for poetry -- because when we realize that things are beautiful, we are more likely to protect and preserve them. Other times poetry is meant to do quite proactive things, language honed to a fine cutting edge.

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