"الشعر هو العين الساهرة للجنس البشري"

Think about the way poetry captures the essence of human experience. That’s really what this quote is saying. At its core, poetry acts as a vigilant observer of our lives, our emotions, our triumphs, and our struggles. It’s like having a keen eye that notices all the subtleties and nuances of the human condition, and then distills them into words that resonate deeply with us.

Now, let’s take a step back in history. This idea isn't new. For centuries, poets have been the ones to immortalize moments and emotions that might otherwise slip through the cracks of time. During the Romantic era, for instance, poets like William Wordsworth and Lord Byron wrote about the beauty and pain of the world around them, capturing the zeitgeist of their times with a sensitivity that was almost prophetic. They were, in essence, the eyes through which society could see itself more clearly.

Imagine this: It’s the early 20th century. You’re in Harlem, New York, amidst the Harlem Renaissance. Langston Hughes writes “The Weary Blues.” Through his poetry, Hughes isn’t just telling you about a man playing the blues; he’s showing you the soul of an entire community. He’s the watchful eye, noticing the rhythms and sorrows of the people, and translating that into something everyone can feel and understand. The poem doesn’t just describe—it immerses you in the scene, making you feel the weariness and the blues.

So, how do you apply this in your everyday life? Start by being more observant. Notice the little things—the way sunlight filters through the trees in your neighborhood, the sound of laughter from a nearby café, the quiet determination in the eyes of a friend going through a tough time. Try writing these observations down. You don’t have to be a poet, but by paying attention and recording these moments, you’re training yourself to see the world in a more nuanced and compassionate way.

Now, picture this: You’re at a family gathering, and your grandmother starts telling a story from her youth. Instead of just hearing the words, you really listen. You see the sparkle in her eye, the way her hands move to emphasize certain points. You feel the emotion she’s conveying. Later, you write about this moment, capturing the essence of her story and how it made you feel. That’s poetry in action—it’s not just about rhymes and meter, it’s about seeing deeply and expressing that vision.

In a world that’s often rushing forward, poetry asks us to pause and observe. It reminds us to be present and to cherish the fleeting moments that make up our lives. So next time you find yourself caught up in the hustle, take a moment to be the watchful eye. Notice, feel, and maybe even write a little. You might just capture something beautiful.