15-Feb-2012

Music of the Soul

The Power of Poetry

“Poetry is the music of the soul, and above all, of great and feeling souls.”—Voltaire

Reading a poem is a journey to a new country. A good poem surprises you; the words transport you to a place of wonder and delight. A poem can evoke a thought or feeling; it might even be scary or uncomfortable as you travel from your head to your heart into the senses of your soul. Whether a five-line haiku or an epic poem, the poet’s magic guides you to explore the landscapes of your own perceptions.

Where to start? You might resonate with the political rants of Alan Ginsberg or perhaps you are more attuned to the romantic odes of John Keats. Let your spirit soar with the mystically ecstatic poems of Rumi or Hafiz and open your imagination by writing your own poems. Adventure to the world of poetry at your local bookstore or explore an online poetry website. As Mark Twain said, “Poetry comes and lays bare the whole landscape with a single splendid flash.” May poetry open your eyes to a new world all around you!

Only One by Rumi (video)

Recommended: Enlightened Heart: An Anthology of Sacred Poetry and Poemcrazy: Freeing Your Life with Words by Susan G. Wooldridge