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Toronto MU | Life

Benefits of Writing Poetry

Dararrtu Abdullahi Student Contributor, Toronto Metropolitan University
Zainab Damji Student Contributor, Toronto Metropolitan University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Toronto MU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Poetry, the language of Shakespeare that has helped us to express our thoughts and beliefs. Enthusiastically indulging in a craft that perfectly conveys what one is feeling. You’re persistently battling with a blank page, creating a space that allows you to be unapologetically yourself. You become inspired by your own determination, allowing yourself to be connected to your inner-self and ultimately become self-aware of who you are as a person. You’re a storyline that is patiently waiting to be explained in a free verse. Here are some benefits of contributing to this writing genre:

Poetry is therapeutic

Do you ever feel like wanting to express yourself to somebody but you’re scared of judgement? Writing poetry helps you to remember, and you unconsciously become your own therapist as you begin to realize your own problems while rereading. It slowly heals emotional pain, in which you accept your circumstances and insead embrace them for teaching you valuable lessons. There’s also a sense of gratitude, in which you learn to forgive yourself as a writer. You feel more open, becoming eager to keep writing in hopes that it will relieve any unwanted stress. 

Better communication

Communication is the exchange of ideas and meanings. By writing poetry, we’re articulating our lived experiences through metaphors and similes. We better understand poetic devices, which richen our work and makes it very enjoyable to read. Poetry is able to turn vague statements into complex ones in order to find deeper meanings. It is something that regular conversations don’t offer, in which they can lack substance to keep the listener interested. 

All in all, poetry is a great way to express ideas. It’s much better than writing in standard dialogue. How about using metaphors? Hyperboles? Rhymes? Alliteration? These can take your poetry skills to the next level. Try stepping out of your comfort zone, it just might be worth it. 

Dararrtu Abdullahi

Toronto MU '22

I'm a third-year student at Ryerson University majoring in English. I've always loved and had an interest in reading and creative writing, especially poetry. I'm excited to be writing for Her Campus, and I hope to enhance my writing skills while making a positive impact on readers.
Zainab is a 4th-year journalism student from Dubai, UAE who is the Editor-in-Chief of Her Campus at Ryerson. When she's not taking photos for her Instagram or petting dogs on the street, she's probably watching a rom-com on Netflix or journaling! Zainab loves The Bold Type and would love to work for a magazine in New York City someday! Zainab is a feminist and fierce advocate against social injustice - she hopes to use her platform and writing to create change in the world, one article at a time.