There is an old saying that in polite company you should never talk about religion or politics. It is a quote that has been attributed to just about every high profile figure from Mohandas K. Gandhi to Micky Mouse. There is another famous quote, this one directly attributable to the writer and poet G. K. Chesterton (the author of the Father Brown mysteries). He said: 'I never discuss anything else except politics and religion. There is nothing else to discuss.'
So who is correct? And in poetic circles, is it taboo to write about politics and/or religion?
I know for a fact that several members of my own online group, Invisible Poets, feel strongly that neither should be the subject of one of their poems. Others in the group feel that poems about religion or politics should be removed from the group stream so that people aren't offended. And believe me, there have been poems about both topics that have offended some and caused others to leave the group. Yes, politics and religion are divisive, and often cause a lot of consternation among readers.
But does that mean that poets should steer clear?
My view is that poets should always write from the heart. If what is exercising your mind is a theme about injustice, poverty, lawlessness, or conflict, then you should write about it. In so doing, you will be touching on political sensibilities. If your mind is full of questions about eternity, your soul, life after death or the meaning of life, than write about it. In so doing, you will be touching on religion in some form or another. Yes, you are liable to upset someone, or cause a ruction among readers, but isn't that what poetry is for? Isn't that what all art forms seek to achieve?
Another famous quote is 'Anything can make you look, but only art can make you see.'
Personally, I write often write poetry to provoke a reaction. Whether it's about my strong conviction to improve the lives of those in difficult situations, I find that writing to provoke is a very powerful tool to raise people's awareness of a context. If I'm writing about homelessness (one of my more frequent topics, after spending years supporting rough sleepers) or about starving kids (I have seen this at close hand in Africa), I am not going to pull any punches. I'm going to hit you right between the eyes with the problem. And I will make no apologies if I offend someone with my poetry.
Perhaps they needed offending so their eyes could be opened to the truth. Is that the job of a poet? You bet your life it is. In the immortal words of the great philosopher Tom Petty 'No, I won't back down.'
And neither should you.
Steve Wheeler
Image above copyright Steve Wheeler 2026 (Gambian children fetching fire wood)
My view is that as Jesus wasn't afraid to call out hypocrisy in his times (e.g. in Matthew 23) then it's OK for a poet to do so. I was honoured to have my poem "Biblical rage of protest" published in Invisible Poets Anthology 4 which called out tyrants the world over.
ReplyDeleteI was hoping this was the direction of your blog post, Steve. Great article!
ReplyDeleteHi Steve, thanks for sharing your thoughts and knowledge concerning writing poetry. I, too, believe one must write from the heart and because we are all different, we will have those who will be offended. However, if we are continually worried about those who are going to toss us aside due to our beliefs, experiences, etc, then there is no need to write any longer. Offence comes from one's mindsets but that is their personal inner issue, not our problem. Truth to one, is often fear or anger to another. Keep writing the truth of what you have personally experienced. If people leave, so be it, it's their individual choice. Be blessed. June Potter.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog. Interesting questions posed. Thanks.
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