Poetry in the 21st Century

Right now I'm reading the book THE WORLD IS FLAT by Thomas L. Friedman. It's about how the world is changing because of high technology, global capitalism, and the "flattening" of the playing field because you can now produce goods and some services almost anywhere in the world and sell them anywhere too. Global communication, collaboration of teams in different parts of the world, and the adoption of new work habits that utilize personal computers, cell phones, and other technology is changing the way business is conducted and how life is lived.

The internet is a big part of this, of course. It's now possible to get your art, poetry, music, or film out to a large audience through the internet, and one can see the "rules" are starting to change, not only in business but in art. Where all this will lead is anyone's guess, but I have to say that it seems like an exciting revolution to me. There will be negative and positive effects, but the opportunities seem mind-boggling.

What does this mean for poetry? Some think poetry is dead or inconsequential, but I am not of that belief. Despite the information overload that we are all subjected to, many find time to read a poem or two, and find the experience pleasurable. For one thing, poetry is compressed; it is a sound bite. You DO HAVE TIME to read a poem, even while you wait in line or go to the bathroom.

Also, many good poems SLOW TIME DOWN. They make you slow down, breathe, consider a new perspective. They are if anything more valuable now than ever before. They can help you cope. They can make you laugh or cry. They can act as an emotional safety valve. They can get you to remember that rushing through your day, PDA or cell phone in hand, perhaps is not the most valuable use of your time.

My husband, who works for a high tech company, has a lot of real world experience. He sees many people rushing around and not accomplishing much. It is different when you quiet down, slow down, and focus on a task. You achieve a state of flow. That is what a good poem does too...it puts you in touch with creative forces that can make you perceive things differently or even make a huge or small realization about your life or situation. Yes, poems are better than drugs and often can be better than psychotherapy.

Some enlightened folks have realized this already. I'll never forget a high tech guy who came to one of my poetry readings. He was utterly amazed and had a wonderful time. It was so "high touch." The readers talked about all kinds of experiences. One could see this guy felt in touch with his humanity again. Yes, poetry is part of the "high tech, high touch" present and future.

It's just as necessary if not moreso as this personal computer before me.

Yours,

Karen