Edgar Allen Poe, Maya Angelou, Shel Silverstein, and Robert Frost. Although they are of different eras, with different styles, and different expressive tones, all of them have one very important thing in common; they are all famous poets. WHen we are children we veiw poetry as simply rhyme. As we grow older, however, we begin to see the reality of poetry. We begin to realize the difference between rhyme and reason, and we start to notice the purpose and presentation of poetry.
In his forty short years (1809 – 1849), Edgar Allen Poe contributed numerous poems, quotes, and the like. His lifestyle might have been part of what created our impression of “the mysterious poet.” The life of Edgar Allen Poe was often ridiculed due to his stormy background and uncontrollable temper. Poe’s writings include A Dream Within A Dream, Elizabeth, The Lake, and perhaps most famously, The Raven.
Maya Angelou, (1928- ?) a “jack of all trades” has held positions as a poet, an author, a dancer, and a civil rights activist, just to name a few. Born in St Louis, Missouri, Maya Angelou was the first black female director in Hollywood. In 1993, she wrote and delivered “On the Pulse of the Morning” at Bill Clinton’s request, at his inauguration.
Shel Silverstein, (1930 – 1999) is one of the worlds most loved children’s authors. Not just an author and poet, however, Silverstein was an illustrator, a songwriter, and a screenwriter as well. Famous for such writings as “Falling Up”, “A Light i the Attic”, and “The Giving Tree”, Silverstein’s “Where the Sidewalk Ends” is probably one of his most famous poems.
Taking a less serious approach, Robert Frost (1874 – 1963) delivered poetry that gazed deeply into the sole of his surroundings. With such remarks as “I’m never serious except when I’m fooling” brought light to his readers’ hearts. Frost’s light and lyrical humor won the hearts of many until his death in 1963.
The poetry we have come to appreciate today originates from all walks of life, including the varied perspectives from different cultures. As our comprehension of the verse continues to develop, so might our admiration for the poets who have opened the gates.