WELCOME
TO
OUR POETRY ARCHIVE
“There is no
greater weapon
than knowledge
and no greater
source of knowledge
than the written
word.”
~Malala Yousafzai~
The written word has been redefined in the
21st century. Millennialist or the “I Generation,” has taken the written word
into a new context, with various meanings. Those who have grown up in this
generation, have limited language skills; verbally, and/or the ability to write
effectively; they speak in code. The number one form of communication is
texting, which consists of abbreviated words and emoji’s. This form of
communication goes beyond sending a quick message to another, there is also:
Facebook posts, short Twitter messages called “Tweets,” Snap Chats; etc. The
list of social media communication is endless. Besides having poor
interpersonal communication skills, the ability to communicate on paper is
almost next to none. Normal vocabulary is mixed with the abbreviated words used
to text others. Those of us who delight, are devoted and stand on the utmost
belief, of the power, of the written word, need to reclaim written
communication, reconnect and restore the importance of, the written word.
If we are to have an advanced and educated
society, mankind must move beyond short excerpts of uttered transmissions, of
abbreviations and emoji’s, and reclaim civilized communication. I do not belief
that text messages are bad per se; they can be a useful and fast way to
communicate with another person. Though, this form of writing cannot be the
only form of written expression; which seems apparent, with the I Generation,
along with some adults, in the 21st century. The world of technology: phones,
tablets, computers etc., has resulted in poor communication, along with no
apparent handwriting skills. The youth of today do not have the knowledge, the
art, or the appreciation of the written word. For example, I have kept cards,
and/or short notes, from my children, my family and friends, throughout the
years. I appreciate the thoughtfulness of another who has taken the time to
express how they feel, with the art of their own handwriting. The personal
words of someone can be etched onto a piece of paper, and etched into the mind
of the receiver. The difference between receiving a handwritten letter and a
text message is the enlightenment received. When we pass on words, in our
handwriting, we are passing on our personal intellect; imparting a spiritual
connection of knowledge to another. This, in my opinion, is civilized
communication. Do I believe this is the only way to communicate effectively, in
a civilized manner; no. There are other ways to intelligently connect to others
by written word.
Currently, we rely on reaching others, in
a way, the world could not in the past. We keep in close contact via email,
Messenger, etc. If we did not have these avenues, for example: the OPA
editorial team would be unable to quickly communicate, due to the various
continents in which we reside; Military men and women would not be able to keep
in touch with their loved ones; college students would be unable to stay in
contact with their friends and family. These are only a few examples of the
advantages, of communication, we have in this century. These forms of
communication can be used to our advantage but; how can we reconnect the
importance of the written word? First, people in the world need to recall and
recognize what has been lost in print, and consumed by social networking.
Christina Maness was quoted, “The power of the written word can bring even the
largest of us to our knees.” This is a magnificent statement! The question is;
how long has it been since one has been consumed by the powerful words of an
ancient poet or writer, such as Homer; absorbed themselves in the spiritual
words of Rumi, or have been captivated by the words of a Renaissance poet, such
as Shakespeare or Sir Thomas More? The power of the written word, has carried
on through centuries and passed down from generation to generation. Mankind
needs to be awakened by these masterpieces, and strive toward composing pieces
of master work that will make an impact on generations that follow behind us
today, in the 21st century.
Quick communication is important, but we
need to restore the power of the written word. The world must go beyond abbreviated
messages, and emoji’s, which, in that moment of time, explain to another how
they are feeling. Write thoughts in a journal as you are musing over your life.
Compose poetry, essays, an autobiography, or a memoir. The power of these words
will be much more appreciated than a text message which is only deleted in
time. Restoring the power of the written word will broaden the mind, and close
the chasm of useless words which only fade. When mankind brings back, to
existence, the importance of the written word, true intellect will be renewed,
enlightenment of the mind will expand beyond our phones and tablets,
advancement of an educated society will continue to climb the mountain of
greatness.
“Every secret of a writer’s soul, every
experience of his life, every quality of his mind, is written large in his
words.”
~Virginia Woolf~
Our Poetry Archive has seen the need to
reclaim the power of the written word. We have expanded the horizon of
greatness, by connecting poets from around the world, which in return, has
restored and closed the gap of prejudice; we all witness in the world today.
Every reader and writer of this blog has come together, and found appreciation
for cultural and ethnicity difference. We do not see one another as asymmetry,
but alike; conforming ourselves upon the acknowledgment, of significance,
everyone obtains within themselves. We stand on the prominence of every writer;
projecting the power of their own written word, to all the world. We truly
appreciate each contributor of this blog, whether you are a reader or a writer.
Your words and/or support is not overlooked. Our Poetry Archive has the utmost
respect of every writer. One thing I ask, do not lose your words in the endless
space of the computer era; print your words out, write in a journal, document
your life’s dreams and heartaches, and treasure them as gold. Allow the
generations, which follow you, the ability to absorb themselves in your mind
and thoughts. You are important, your words are important, and can make a
difference in the world.
Our Poetry Archive has broadened the gap,
by publishing continental poets and poetess from every corner of the world. We
have pursued this project, so readers of this blog may grasp the literary forms
of poets from each continent, and find appreciation in each writer. In the
October 2016 Edition, we featured poems from 48 European poets. This month,
December 2016, we have published the continental edition, which features poets
from North America. We are also pleased to announce our Featured Poet of the
Month, Michael Garland, who resides in Hawaii, United States of America, for
the North American Special Edition! We
encourage everyone to read his insightful words, found in his personal
responses given, in our interview with him. Michael has also contributed five
personal poems for all to read.
Please take time and enjoy the talent Our
Poetry Archive has added to the December 2016 North American Special
Continental Edition. Those who would like to participate in our upcoming
editions, please send three poems and a profile picture, along with the
explicit confirmation, of your permission, for publication in OPA well before
the 21st of every month. The January Edition, of Our Poetry Archive, will be a
General Edition. We are also extending an open invitation for our next
Continental Edition, which will feature poets from Africa. Please send 3 poems,
both in English and your native language. As with the General Editions, please
send a profile picture and the explicit confirmation, of your permission, to
publish your copyrighted materials to Our Poetry Archive. Please specify, in
the subject line of your email, which edition you are submitting to, to avoid
any confusion, and to assure your poems are published in the correct edition.
Those who are submitting to the Special Continental Edition, please state your
country of origin, mother language, nationality, and where you reside. Thank
you! Our Poetry Archive’s email address is: ourpoetryarchive@gmail.com
Author Stacia Lynn Reynolds, editor,
sincerely thanks each poet, poetess and reader who is actively involved in this
wonderful blog and continued support of Our Poetry Archive.
From The
Editorial Desk
OPA
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WORLDWIDE WRITERS’ WEB
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