Max’s Musings

Poetry has always been there for me, sometimes even more than people.

When given the opportunity to write a poetry column, I wanted to start with one that revitalized my long love for poetry. For me, it was an easy decision. I selected “a survival plan of sorts” by poet Amanda Lovelace. This poem appears in her collection, the princess saves herself in this one. The collection is the first in Lovelace’s trilogy entitled, women are some kind of magic. In it, Lovelace tackles the importance of being the hero of your own fairytale.

raid your library.

read everything

you can get your

hands on

and then

some.

go on,

collect words

& polish them up

until they shine

like starlight

in your

palm.

make words

your finest weapons—

a gold-hilted sword

to cut your

enemies

d

o

w

n.

- a survival plan of sorts.

There is a vital call to action throughout the course of the piece. The speaker prompts the reader to read anything and everything they can to build themselves with knowledge like a warrior of poetry. The speaker encourages the reader to grow their words like metaphorical weapons and figurative armor to withstand any opponent, to subdue them, and ultimately survive them. Although nobody can see it, they will know it’s there. Instead of waiting for someone to teach them, the speaker motivates the reader to educate themselves and be their own protector and guide.

This poem offers insights into the importance and power of seeking education. There are those who seek higher learning and who struggle to access it due to lack of resources, opportunities, and financial assistance. On the other end, there are those who have unlimited access to the necessities higher learning offers yet choose to let them sit and go unused. Whether it is learning a new skill or going back to school, there is always more knowledge and more wisdom to obtain. Poetry may only be one avenue, but it brings forth a realm of possibilities to learn about oneself and the world around them.

the princess saves herself in this one by Amanda Lovelace / The Evergreen Echo

Poetry—like any art form—stands as a positive tool for change. In today’s climate, when the country is most divided, poetry aids in developing one’s rhetoric. A sharp mind is just as important as a sharp sword for battle. Regardless of political party, people tend to focus on how to outwit their opponent and prepare for what they are going to say next. While watching political debates, past and present, I have watched how politicians build and craft arguments on embarrassment while patronizing those longing to be represented. Screaming louder doesn’t win the argument. Using bigger words doesn’t win the argument. Name calling doesn’t win the argument. So what does, then?

Although it’s important to be able to duel and defend with the armory of words at your disposal, as people double down on their opinions of controversial issues and themes, the ability to step back and find true understanding for the “other” or the “enemy” rapidly dwindles.

When true, honest understanding from both sides of the opposition can be reached, a common ground is possible. There is no need to pretend anyone will simply just come around because you want them to do so. What can an opponent say or do that is enough to get them to listen to them?

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Poetry is what you put into it. You can use it as a forum to vent frustrations or a ceremonial place of self-healing and self-reflection. Although intimidating to most, at the end of the day poetry is a haven for all who embrace it. I hope throughout my column, you can find healing of your own.