Why Are We Not Better Than We Are: How Poetry Saves Lives

In a world where life's imperfections often leave us grappling with suffering, poetry emerges as a powerful tool for healing and understanding. The essence of poetry lies in its ability to capture the stillness of a moment, the germ of what is not yet palpable, and the quiet gathering of a new beginning. This idea is beautifully encapsulated in the words of Anne Reeve Aldrich, who wrote to Emily Dickinson: "A life of patient suffering... is a better poem in itself than we can any of us write." Suffering, in its many forms, is the name we give to how we live with life's imperfections and our own limitations, which often become the wellspring of our deepest emotions.

The way we bear these imperfections and what we make of them forms the foundation of our living poem. This awareness is central to Jon Mooallem's essay collection, "Serious Face," which explores the profound impact of poetry on our lives. Mooallem, a renowned magazine journalist and storyteller, reflects on his early days working at a small literary magazine in New York City. At the age of 22, he was tasked with screening the submissions of thousands of poems, a responsibility that left him uncomfortable due to his lack of literary experience and emotional state.

Mooallem's journey began when he lost his father at a young age. The grief and bewilderment he had suppressed began to surface, leaving him feeling alone and lost. He was fixated on understanding why life was so hard and what he was doing wrong. His walks home from the office became a time for introspection, as he wrestled with his mind like a Rubik's Cube, desperate for a brighter outlook.

Amidst this turmoil, poetry became a lifeline. As he sifted through the slush pile of submissions, he encountered poems that resonated with his own struggles. These poems offered a glimpse into the human experience, a shared understanding of suffering and the search for meaning. Through poetry, Mooallem found solace and a sense of connection to others who were also navigating life's imperfections.

The power of poetry lies in its ability to transform suffering into something profound and beautiful. It provides a space for reflection and understanding, allowing us to see our experiences in a new light. As Aldrich wrote, suffering is the gateway to tender sympathy with the griefs of all humanity. By embracing our suffering and allowing it to inform our work, we can create something truly remarkable.

Mooallem's own journey with poetry has been transformative. Through his writing, he has been able to process his emotions and find a deeper connection to the world around him. His essays in "Serious Face" are a testament to the healing potential of poetry, demonstrating how it can help us make sense of our experiences and find meaning in life's imperfections.

In a world where imperfection is inevitable, poetry offers a sanctuary for reflection and growth. It reminds us that our suffering is not unique and that we are not alone in our struggles. By embracing our experiences and allowing them to inform our work, we can create something beautiful and meaningful. Poetry, in its many forms, is a powerful tool for healing and understanding, a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is stillness, and the germ of a new beginning.