How Poetry Changed Me
by Gabrielle Costanzo
Reading and writing poetry is very therapeutic to me, in a way that no other medium can do. The expression of emotion in just one poem is so powerful. When I write one, I don’t have to worry about proper sentence structure or all the technical rules, because poetry is open. There is something so relieving after going through a major life event, happy or sad, about putting it on the page. Putting my emotions on a page makes the shapeless and free floating memories and feelings in my head into shapes, into words, into something that I can control and share. It is a medium that anyone can use to say whatever they want.
That’s why I think reading and hearing other people’s poetry is so valuable. It is a small window into their brain, one that turns their thoughts into something tangible for the reader. Some of my favorite poems are ones that reflect something that I have been through. The ones that are relatable to me help me feel less alone, like I’m not the only one to deal with this certain situation or problem.
I notice that when I write poems I feel more relaxed and lighter. When I read poems, I feel empathy and understanding for others. Being more involved in poetry has changed me by helping me to be less anxious and more empathetic. It has helped me develop a skill set that I can use to put my emotions into words, and also the ability to feel empathy towards other poets. Since poetry is such an effective tool for describing and observing the human experience, I think everyone should utilize it. You don’t need to be a master poet to enjoy and get the benefits from poetry, because at the end of the day we are all humans, just seeking out connections with one another.