Enheduanna's Poems

“Poetry as an art form predates poetry. In many ancient cultures, the poem was used as a way to maintain oral history and transport it across long distances” (Joannou). As far back as Mesopotamia one can find poetry being used as a way to tell stories and express feelings. An example of this is Enheduanna, who is the first author known by name. Enheduanna’s poetic works changed the perception Mesopotamian people had of the divine. Along with creating the beginnings of literature, Enheduanna’s works reveal to historians what people of her time valued. From the very beginning of poetry it is used as a way of communication and has continued as a medium into modern times. Although the “Epic of Gilgamesh” is often referred to as the birth

Here, Gibson explains the impacts of war and post traumatic stress disorder, using their words and symbolism as a tool. Using metaphors - in poetry, especially - creates a type of literature where the impact is up to how the reader perceives it. Having the outlet of poetry from one person to the next creates personal bonds that might not be able to be formed without the use of poetry. Where there is personal experience, emotions often come along with it. An example of emotions being involved with poetry could come from almost any poem. An obvious example would be love poems, where an emotion with a wordlessness such as love can be communicated through metaphors and similes. Looking at any one poet, it is often found that their poems have a connection of a thematic emotion, such is the case with Andrea Gibson. “(on what connects Andrea Gibson’s poetry)...it is a recognition of our common humanity” (Notaro). Other poets, such as Edgar Allan Poe with anguish, also express this relationship. People can often relate to poetry or find catharsis in it, they can relate to someone they often have never met. While poetry started out as a way to tell stories and continues to be used as so (the ‘Epic’ style of poetry found throughout history is a prime example of this), poetry is also an important form of emotional

With this comes the responsibility to communicate emotions before they cause the aforementioned evils. Literature of any kind can be this for people, finding themselves in pieces of words that make them feel safe or less alone. “It seems remarkable that at the very beginning of our literary tradition, we find a work of such unequaled quality and depth” (Jager, 132). This quote explains that poetry has always featured depth, emotional or otherwise, as early as Gilgamesh and Enheduanna. Whether it be in Mesopotamia in 2270 BCE or New York City in 2017 CE, poetry has helped and continues to help people better understand and relate to each