The Poetic Politician

Does poetry mix with politics or do they repel each other like oil and water?

Poetry can be the most influential form of language, infused with emotive power used in everyday speech to reinforce political discourse. Political ideas and platforms are communicated by way of the written word and public orations, just like poetry. Poetry is a tool that politicians use to sway public opinion on issues. Therefore in my opinion the most skillful politician is a masterful poet. Unfortunately many dictators gained their power through poetic persuasion. Just because a politician is a powerful poet does not mean they are a good politician.


Two Examples of famous politicians, who were also poets, are Pablo Neruda, and Robert Byrd. Pablo Neruda is one of the most famous poets of the 20th century. In 1971, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature. While he was first and foremost a poet, Neruda also was a senator for the Chilean Communist Party for the few years it was in power. Robert Byrd is best known for his role as senator of West Virginia. In fact he was the longest serving senator in United States history. One of the reasons he was so loved was because he insisted on the occasional poetry recital in congress to lighten (or highten) the atmosphere. An opinion they shared is that all poetry is political in one way or another.

Robert Frost recited a poem at John F. Kennedy’s election. Frost had written a poem specially for the occasson called "Dedication" He began to recite it but given his advanced age and the glare of the sun on the sheet of paper prevented him to complete it. Instead he recited one entitled "The Gift Outright" from memory: After this recital all following inaugurations have had a poetry recital. This is a respected tradition, which now serves an important purpose in American history.

The only political position that poets can hold is the role of poet laureate. The most influential poets are chosen as laureates to acknowledge the importance of poetry in politics. While laureates are not required to write on political issues, they have the ability to criticize without being unpatriotic. As respected poets they often give the everyday public opinion more weight. This gives the poets undeniable political influence.
Even with overwhelming proof that poetry is a vital component to healthy politics there is a counter argument to my opinion. Many poets, Like Wyatt Prunty have denied poetry’s political influence, because, as he claims, “Political language must be simplified for the common audience. Poetry cannot be simplified to this degree. Poetry, it its fullest, transcends political factions, and expresses the universal human condition.” My retort is that government is created to serve the human condition. Therefore, politics depends on poetry to express what humans need from their government.

Sources:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1241067

http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-1257

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pablo_Neruda

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Byrd