Writing poetry has always been fascinating to me. As someone who enjoys all forms of art, I find it to be a unique way of expressing ideas and showcasing stylistic elements while allowing one to simply create something meaningful - to paint a picture - with words.

However, reading poetry has not come so easily to me. As a young student in school, I was often tasked with analyzing seemingly long-winded poems that contained a large number of words I had never heard of. Trying to decipher their meaning was like wringing water out of a stone. 

But, as the years went by, my affinity for writing poetry enabled me to appreciate others’ poems more. As I began reading with an open mind, I found deep themes showcased in eloquent phrases and graceful lines. Reading with this new perspective, I could pick up on subtle hints and motifs, and value them for their profound insights and wisdom. Now, I am able to see just why poetry is so important, both for the creative writer and the curious reader.