REVIVAL OF INTEREST IN POETRY MEMORISATION
Given these benefits, it’s no wonder interest in poetry memorisation is reviving worldwide. Poetry recitation competitions like Poetry Out Loud in the USA and Poetry by Heart in the UK have gained popularity among youth.
In Singapore, I worked with a team of volunteers to organise the inaugural National Poetry Recitation Competition, as part of the annual Poetry Festival Singapore, a national literary event held annually since 2015 to promote poetry in all of our national languages.
Before the competition, I conducted workshops on poetry memorisation at the National Library which involved over 120 participants, several of whom shared how deeply moved they were by the poems.
One father recounted how he and his son learned Robert Frost’s The Road Not Taken to reflect on life choices. Another young girl discovered her ability to recite Lee Tzu Pheng’s Singapore River, surprising herself with her newfound skills.
These experiences illustrate how memorised poetry sparks conversations, inspires confidence and fosters emotional connections.
REIGNITING POETRY’S ORAL ROOTS
At the competition finals, participants showcased their passion for poetry, performing their favourite poems aloud with confidence.
Several participants told me how poetry has become meaningful for them. One finalist said memorising Psalm 23 helps him remain calm during stressful occasions like examinations. Another expressed how Maya Angelou’s Phenomenal Woman resonates with her identity as a feminist, helping her find her voice.
Encouraging poetry performances in schools and raising awareness through social media could enhance appreciation for poetry. Multilingual performances, such as those at Poetry Festival Singapore, further expose students to the rich cultural heritage of Singapore and Southeast Asia.
Ultimately, learning poetry by heart allows us to tap into something deeper – an understanding of what it means to be human.
