Why Do We Resist Poetry?

Why Do We Resist Poetry?

 Why do we resist poetry? Like any other question, no one person can answer for all, but I can give you my answer; it's confusing. When I hear poetry I automatically think about names such as William Shakespeare, or Edgar Allan Poe, but one thing about them is that I struggle to read them. Often when I have to read their poems, I feel as if I could be reading another language. Often times there is a 'meaning' to a poem that is deeper than what is just written, and when reading something that is hard to understand, finding that meaning can become even harder. For example, I would like to use ancient Greek Poet Sophocles as an example. When reading Oedipus Rex in class earlier this year, it was one of the most difficult units for me. I struggled to understand the plot, and beyond that I struggled to uncover the true meaning of the work as a whole. If it wasn't for the pre-planned 'seed' of fate vs free will, I am not sure I would've been able to understand the work. To answer the ultimate question posed, I believe it is because it pushes people out of the comfort zone. Almost every time I read poetry I feel like there is so much packed into one little piece, regardless of how long it is. Everyone loves to read a feel-good story that has a nice predictable plot and happy ending, because that's what makes us comfortable. When reading poetry we are forced to get uncomfortable, and I believe that is why we resist poetry.