Poetry is the inner breath of humanity. As long as it exists, human beings do not lose their sense of humanity. Poetry does not belong to poets alone it belongs to every human being. It is the most ancient form of literature in human civilization.

Moreover, poetry possesses the power to transcend time. Even if human beings change, even if societies transform, emotion does not change and poetry is the form that gives shape to that emotion. Poetry is the attempt of a human being to understand oneself it is the courage to question the world it is the art that gives voice to silence. Simply put, poetry gives form to human feelings. It gives sound to experience. It lends a voice to silence. Above all, poetry is a “language of experience “it reaches the heart beyond the limits of human logic.

Poetry was born alongside human civilization. From a mother’s lullaby, it became a part of human life. From the stories told by grandmothers and elders, poetry sprouted and grew into a vast tree.

Poetry refines human sensitivity. It inspires us to question society. It stands as a witness to time. Without poetry, human history would remain incomplete. Reading, listening to, and writing poetry bring deep mental joy. Modern psychology has even developed a specialized field called Poetry Therapy.

In truth, poetry in any language shares certain essential qualities. A poem must carry depth of feeling. It should reveal a vast world within a small line. Poetry has an inner music whether in meter or in free rhythm. It has the power to create vivid imagery through words. Its uniqueness lies in expressing expansive meaning with minimal language. Poetry does not speak directly. It communicates through suggestion. A poem does not offer a single meaning it expands through the reader’s experience. In sorrow, in love, in loneliness, poetry becomes a companion.

When a reader feels, “my words are here,” a deep connection with poetry is formed. Across the world, in all cultures, people turn to poetry in grief and in love. The voices of the marginalized resonate powerfully through poetry. Pablo Neruda wrote against the Chilean dictatorship. Kaloji carried the Telangana movement in his poetry. Ambedkarite poetry has held a mirror to Indian society.

Today, Telugu poetry is gaining new energy through Dalit voices, feminist resistance, regional identity, and the vast reach of digital platforms. Indian poetry is increasingly receiving recognition on international stages. A poet sleeps within every human being one gentle stir is enough to awaken them.

Yet, there are many challenges. The number of readers is declining. The sale of poetry books is a concern. The question “Who reads poetry?” troubles every poet. Amid the fast-paced media of technological entertainment, poetry must struggle to retain its place. The decline of strong critical voices has led to a lack of serious, analytical discourse on poetry. A culture that praises every poet as great is not healthy. Moreover, for Telugu poetry to reach international platforms, translation is essential and this work is not happening sufficiently. The world remains largely unaware of the richness of Telugu poetry.

As Walt Whitman said, “A man who does not read poetry loses half his life.” The day we truly recognize this truth. Poetry will blossom into a hundred flowers and a thousand thoughts.

(March 21 – World Poetry Day)

The author is a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Translation Award.