It’s a huge statement that poetry can save the planet. However, as a poet and a former teacher, I believe it to be true. Just get out of the “can’t do” box for a moment and pay attention to four reasons why poetry can save the planet.

1. Poetry is the golden honey of all genres of writing and communication. “The crown of literature is poetry. It is its end and goal,” said British writer Somerset Maugham. He added: “Poetry is the highest activity of the human mind. It is the achievement of beauty and delicacy. The writer of prose can only step aside when the poet passes.” It is poetry that tugs at our heartstrings and makes us feel fully alive. Why not approach the teaching of poetry appreciation in schools across America without dissecting its meaning like a frog in biology class? Poetry opens the door to creativity and new ways of thinking about ourselves and our planet.

2. Teaching poetry makes us better readers and writers. If you appreciate poetry, it’s hard not to appreciate good literature. Knowing the tools of a poet from alliteration to symbolism creates in us a deeper understanding of writing that appeals to our senses and sensitivities. When we read online or classic articles on our Kindle, we will know the difference between mediocre writing and great writing. (And, if we’re using a Kindle to purchase books, we’re killing fewer trees.)

3. “Drop Everything and Read Poetry” sessions in schools will increase literacy and reduce the dropout rate. As a classroom teacher in grades 2-6, I introduced my students to the poetry of Shel Silverstein. They loved his poetry and charming and somewhat irreverent drawings. Her words were magical to the ears and eyes; the children laughed and laughed with their teacher instead of at their teacher. A bond of shared trust and appreciation for poetry was formed, leading to the writing of powerful “short” things: class poems and anthologies. The students discovered who they were and what it was like to be a poet. They were found in poems, chapter books, and Judy Blume books. WB Yeats, Irish poet and playwright, wrote: “Out of fighting with others we make rhetoric; out of fighting with ourselves we make poetry.” Poetry helps us make sense of ourselves and the planet.

4. Poetry helps us understand what it means to feel human. By its very nature, it encourages us to be in touch with our feelings. By writing poetry, children sometimes reveal important issues in their lives that would go completely unnoticed unless they were written about. It takes a sensitive teacher to see what is invisible to many others. Children need to write about what hurts them and what they like. Through poetry, students can write about what they are grateful for in life. Here is a poem written by a very grateful 8th grader who happens to be my grandson, Matthew Joseph Feyh:

“I’m thankful.”

I am grateful for everything he has given me.

I am grateful for all my family.

I am grateful for a place to stay.

I am thankful for the warmth every night.

I am grateful for friends who care.

I am thankful for the food to spare.

I am thankful for grandparents who love.

Poetry encourages us to be the best person we can be on this planet, and it can help us save the planet. Dive into some poetry today!