1. It's a great emotional outlet.

Honestly. I'm really bad at doing work when something's wrong. I have such a difficult time pulling myself to try and sit down in front of my desk and start typing away if I'm so anxious that I can't focus on anything fro more than two seconds. And when I'm sad, sad to the bone because of the human condition and how painful it is to be alive, the only thing I want to do is get my sadness out. I just want the paint o leave. Some people cry until; their eyes are puffed up so much that they're stuck halfway closed (I do this too). Some people yell until their throat is hoarse and dry with the memories of their frustrated cries. Some people drink until they can't feel anything anymore.

I think that writing can be a healthier outlet. Writing poetry can be a simple, non-destructive outlet to let you let your emotions out. I still cry while doing it, but at least I get some art out of my sadness, right?

2. It's got no rules.

I know that I found poetry intimidating when I first started to write. It seemed like this art form that was so flexible and obscure, only people who had the biggest vocabularies and the brightest of minds can attempt writing poetry. And while poetry does have some of the greatest works of art that was ever produced by humans, it doesn't have to be so hard and intimidating.

Poetry doesn't really have any rules other than you trying your best. I focus on things like sound, and imagery. Description has always been my favorite thing about writing, but also, with poetry there's also no need for fancy word. It can be as short, or as long as you want it to be. It can be as complex or as simple as you want it to be. It can be

3. It's a great way to gain connections.

Writing poetry, if you get into it, can be a great way to connect with other people. Regardless if you're "good" or "talented" or not, it's a form a art. People love art, we need art to stay sane and keep ourselves entertained in the great pain of being alive. Poetry helps people not only express their feelings, but also express their ideas. These ides then can be used to create connections, from the way you feel attached to or like a certain poem or author, to the way you can share your poetry with others and gain feedback.

Poetry workshops, classes, or slam poetry shows are great ways to socialize and meet people. Art means connection, and this art form is just the same.

4. It can be as easy or hard as you want.

Here's a secret about poetry: you don't really need any experience. Of course, it's nice to do background on a subject. Anyone who;'s really interested in a subject will learn about it-- it's natural. But you certainly don't need decades of studies or experiences. You don't even need to know all of the elements or key terms, you just need to know the basics. And you can get all of the basics with a simple google search.

5. It's fun!

Lastly, it's a fun hobby! You don't have to be pressured to create "true art". Writing words and playing with them, as well as phrases and line spacing are fun. You can put words wherever you want them to be, with no particular rules. It's not like an essay in an MLA