Intro: An experiential "turn" in poetry - by Konstantinos Mavromatakis
There is poetry that turns towards the body, symbolizing inner bodily sensations and subjective experiences rather than just describing the external world. Traditionally, poets were more outer-oriented, but many now utilize their art to represent inner reality.
Several examples illustrate this newfound focus on inward symbolism. Pushkin captures struggling with inner flames of passion one tries to resist. Solomos references a hero's courage through their restless guts. Bukowski takes the reader into his body to describe experiencing a "blue bird" that he alternately relies on and fears. These poets ethereally portray subtle feelings through tangible images.
Songs too frequently blend outer events with their inner reverberations. Lyrics cited bring listeners from an outside wind into the singer's "inner home." Another example starts from the earth's core before pausing in the poet's gut. Symbolizing inward experiences seems innate and universally resonant. Even pop incorporates this perspective.
However, not all poetry centers on embodied sensation. Porcia's work remains more cerebral, showing interpersonal dynamics without physical descriptions. Still, his micro-portraits intimately depict experiences.
To conclude, the process of finding words for vague inner pre-concepts resembles psychotherapy aiding patients in symbolizing problems. Poetry historically helped comprehend the material world and now mirrors therapeutic methods in representing inward terrain. As creative curiosity defines pre-verbal realities, it coincides with treatment by giving form to formless feelings.
