Title: How Poetry Can Heal | Psychology Today
Headings: How Poetry Can Heal
Diana Raab Ph.D.
How Poetry Can Heal
Psychologists and writers understand the healing power of writing. Here's how.

Content: It is a snapshot written from the inside out. William Wordsworth defined poetry as “the spontaneous overflow of feelings; it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility…”
Typically, a poem has a distinct rhythm. Poetry can also share transformative moments or revelations. Regardless of the type of poem, poetry uses an economy of words; therefore, every word is important. The more specific the poem, the better it is. The best poetry inspires readers to reflect, dream, reminisce, observe, and fantasize. Poems are written in fragments, and each line should have a singular image and feeling. Reading and writing poetry encourages a certain interconnectedness and helps establish a sense of community between oneself and others.