by Lenora Hollinghead
In 1996, the Academy of American Poets inaugurated April as Poetry Month to honor literature in one of its many forms. Troy University is acknowledging poetry month by presenting the Hall-Waters prize on April 28 to Terrance Hayes, an American poet. Terrance Hayes will be presenting some of his poetry on April 28 at Janice Hawkins Park on campus. Terrance is famous for “Muscular Music” (1999), “Light Head”, “Wind in a Box”, and many other pieces.
“Poetry is one of the greatest arts, however it has had a dwindling audience over the past 100 years,” said William Thompson, an associate professor of English. “I don’t have a favorite form of poetry, however, as a teacher I have read poets from Gilgamesh to Terrance Hayes.”
Since the 1980s, the American Poets have made a consecrated effort to broaden the audience for poetry through spoken poetry and poetry slams.
Although poetry is one of the first forms of expression, poetry dates itself back to Geoffrey Chaucer, who is considered to be the father of English poetry.
Geoffrey Chaucer is formally known for his piece “The Canterbury Tales,” with his most known genres being epic poems, lyrical poems, and short stories.
“Teenagers relate to poetry as it gives more perspective into the world and how some may feel,” said Maddison Thompson, an English major from Chelsea, Alabama. “I just bought this poetry book called “Lover Girl” and it is so good.
“It has shown me that I’m not alone at all.”
Over the years, poetry has grown and developed into 168 different types, allowing everyone to be involved in some way without even knowing. Though many think poetry is a dying genre, it’s actually one of the most used forms of literature in our lives.
“I find poetry to be the most underrated form of literature as people don’t realize how prevalent it is in our daily lives,” said Aj Orloski, a secondary education major from Baker, Florida. “It’s in every kind of music.”
