STACIA LYNN REYNOLDS

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

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