Poetry and the state of the arts in Malaysia

The 100 Thousand Poets For Change World Conference at the Santa Sofia complex in Salerno, Italy, was held in June 2015. Photo: Facebook/100TPC/Terri Carrion

My father’s references to poetry still revolve around Shakespeare or, sometimes, the typical RTM “kita ... bangsa ... Merdeka ...” reading on Aug 31.

Most people I know are pretty sceptical about the power of poetry and refuse to see it as an essential part of the spiritual and cultural legacy of mankind. But the truth is, poetry has evolved as the most creative, engaging, empowering, and provocative form of art that challenges your mind and tickles your funny bone.