Poetry groups on social media sites seem to be flooded with poems about unhealthy relationships, deep disappointments, chronic nightmares, angst, anger, hatred, or terror. These intense emotional outlets can bring relief and healing to the poets, especially under the auspices of a counselor or in conjunction with other types of therapies.
From a reader’s point of view, however, the
intimacy of these therapeutic poems, once reserved for diaries or whispered
secrets known only to God or highly trusted friends, sometimes come across as
raw, naked, uninspired, or retaliatory. Readers might find themselves caught up
in chaos they didn’t know exist but then feel powerless or devastated by their
inability to do anything to help. Sometimes a frustrated reader might even want
to say, “Don’t tell me! Talk to your ____ (fill in the blank) person with whom
you have a problem.”
Does that sound harsh? Maybe, but even the
most empathetic reader has feelings too. And, the thing is, most poetry lovers
would really, really like to see a least some evidence a poet has given a
thought to readers or at least has a smidgen of interest in poetry forms, or has
an inkling of insight, humor, or hope to offer that, Lord willing, could be
therapeutic to us all.
