Poets and Their Poetry

A person who writes poems is known as a poet. Poem has been described as'' a piece of writing in which the words are chosen for their sound and the images they suggest, not just for their obvious meanings''. It is observed that the words are arranged in separate lines, usually with a repeated rhythm, and often the lines rhyme at the end.

My first respect for the world of poetry happened sometimes in 1982. I was having a chart with a cousin of mine whom I respect so much for his brilliance and intelligence. I have just gotten an admission to Teacher Training College and at the same time was preparing for my GCE 'O' Level Examination. He asked me of the subject ranges I will take during the exams, and I listed among them Literature in English. My cousin screamed! 'Literature? I fear Literature in English especially POETRY aspects of it'.

I was really taken aback for his reaction and fear for Literature In English. In fact, I was scared. This is because the person in my view was highly intelligent and did wonderfully well in his School Certificate Examination results with seven distinctions and two credits including FURTHER MATHEMATICS, Chemistry, Physics and Biology! I feel that if Literature in English should be hard and feared by my cousin, indeed the subject must be a stubborn and difficult one. Unknown to my tender mind that my cousin was just a good student of science related subjects not arts.

Upon resuming at the Teacher's College Ile-Ife in September 1982, I armed myself with the following three point agenda in order to arrest and conquer great Literature in English:

• I joined Literary and Debating Society
• I became active in Press Club
• Deliberately developing keen interest in Literature in English subject with deeper interest in Poetry.

I gave myself the task of writing poems and presenting it during various school activities. Before long, I found out that I became like 'an expert' among my mates in poetry renditions. No wonder I got a distinction and 'A3' in my TC II and GCE 'O' Level examinations in Literature in English respectively later.

Poets are like philosophers. They are aware of their present and are endowed in some ways to peep into the future. No wonder some writings of some past poets had became a gold of reality in today's world.

I love the world of poetry. I am equally fascinated by simple lines that are easy to read and understand especially for non- Literature friendlies like my cousin to enjoy.