nothing in the rulebook

In the heart of March, amidst the shifting winds and awakening whispers of spring, the world takes a collective breath to celebrate a timeless art form that transcends boundaries, languages, and cultures – poetry. World Poetry Day, an occasion that stirs the soul and unites the disparate voices of humanity in a symphony of verse, offers a moment to reflect on the profound impact of words woven into the fabric of existence.

Poetry, that elusive dance of rhythm and rhyme, holds within its delicate grasp the power to illuminate the darkest corners of our consciousness and to stir the embers of forgotten dreams. It is a mirror held up to the human experience, reflecting our joys, sorrows, hopes, and fears with unparalleled clarity and grace. Through poetry, we find solace in solitude, companionship in chaos, and beauty in the mundane.

On this day, poets and poetry lovers around the globe gather to pay homage to the bards and troubadours whose words have echoed through the corridors of time, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of human history. From the ancient verses of Homer and Sappho to the modern musings of Maya Angelou and Rupi Kaur, the poetic tradition spans centuries and continents, each verse a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit.

But World Poetry Day is not merely a time for reflection; it is a call to action, a reminder of the importance of fostering creativity and expression in all its forms. In a world fraught with division and discord, poetry serves as a bridge, connecting disparate souls in a shared moment of understanding and empathy. It is a force for change, challenging conventions, and speaking truth to power with unyielding conviction.

In the digital age, poetry has found new avenues of expression, transcending the confines of the printed page to inhabit the vast expanse of cyberspace. Blogs, social media platforms, and online communities have become virtual salons where poets from every corner of the globe come together to share their work and engage in spirited discourse. Through hashtags and retweets, they forge connections that defy geographical boundaries, celebrating the diversity of human experience in all its myriad forms.

Poetry should not, of course, be defined to a single day (and it’s important to clarify that here, given we’re publishing this particular story one day “late”). So when we celebrate World Poetry Day, let us do so every day of the year. We must not forget the transformative power of the written word, nor the responsibility that comes with wielding it. Let us honour the poets who came before us, whose words paved the way for our own, and whose legacy endures in every stanza and couplet. And let us continue to raise our voices in solidarity, weaving a tapestry of verse that speaks to the shared humanity that binds us all.

In the words of the poet Rumi, “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.” May we all find ourselves in that sacred space, united in our love for the written word and the eternal quest for truth and beauty that binds us together as one.