Poetry is so important because it helps us understand and appreciate the world around us. Poetry's strength lies in its ability to shed a “sideways” light on the world, so the truth sneaks up on you. No question about it. Poetry teaches us how to live.

Why are poems so powerful?

Reading and writing poetry both engage our senses along with our emotions, making the art form experiential and hugely effective in connecting with our minds. ... This combination of brevity and detail gives the reader open access to the poet's mind and enables the reader to truly connect with the poet.

Why is poetry important in our world today?

Since poetry is focused on relaying experience in a highly salient way, there is great potential for it to be utilized as a means to build empathy and bridge gaps of understanding between people who come from differing backgrounds. In this way poetry can be a vehicle for messages of social justice.