By Maung Maung Myint Thein (RIT)
(Continued From Yesterday)
When studying the history of Burmese poetry, it can be seen that during the Pagan period, both prose and verse literature flourished. This is evidenced by thousands of surviving inscriptions, ink writings, stone engravings, and palm-leaf manuscripts. Among the earliest recognized poetic works are Myakantha, Popa Natdaw, and the contemplative poems of Minister Ananda Thuriya, all of which are regarded as important milestones in the history of Burmese literature.
Following the Pagan era, during the Sagaing, Pinya, and Myinsaing periods, although these city-states had shorter lifespans, literary traditions continued to develop. During this time, new poetic forms such as kachin songs emerged.
The Inwa period marked a significant advancement in Burmese literature and is often referred to as a golden age, particularly for the flourishing of pyu poetry. Scholars, monks, royalty, and common people alike, including queens and rural villagers, contributed to literary development. Classical poetry and drama reached a high level of sophistication during this era.
In the Toungoo and Nyaungyan periods, literary works increasingly emphasized patriotism, cultural pride, and national identity. Poetic forms such as Echin, Yetan, Mawkun, and various narrative compositions were developed to preserve and express these values.
Min Thu Wun and the Emergence of Burmese Children’s Poetry
The renowned poet Min Thu Wun began writing children’s poems in 1931 at the age of 22. Prior to his contributions, children’s poetry in Myanmar literature was extremely rare, with only a small number of works composed by earlier generations of poets. As a writer deeply fond of children, Min Thu Wun once explained his inspiration for writing such poems:
He noted that children, like the soft and pleasant cooing of doves heard in the early morning, possess voices that are gentle and delightful. Just as dawn is fresh and pure, children’s voices are naturally sweet and joyful. He encouraged them by saying that, since their voices resemble the pleasant sounds of morning birds, they should also enjoy singing songs. With this idea in mind, he began composing poems specifically for children, such as the well-known “Maung Khway Fo” series, so that children could sing and enjoy them happily.
His pioneering work in children’s poetry had a significant influence on Burmese literature. Inspired by his approach and success, other poets also began to contribute to the development of children’s poetry, leading to a growing body of works dedicated to young readers.
“Maung Khway Fo” Children’s Poetry Collection and Its Educational Value
The children’s poetry book “Maung Khway Fo” contains 45 poems in total. It also features beautifully illustrated color drawings by the poet Min Thu Wun’s schoolmate, the artist U Ba Kyi, which greatly enhance the charm of the collection.
The poems in this book are pleasant to read and recite, with smooth rhythm and clear expression. The language is simple, and the meanings are easy to understand. The themes are closely related to children’s daily experiences, making them both enjoyable and engaging.
More importantly, the poems help nurture positive moral values. Reading them encourages appreciation for the beauty of nature, kindness toward animals, respect for good cultural traditions, compassion for the weak, curiosity about one’s surroundings, and a sense of care extending from one’s own village and country to all human beings. They also inspire a desire to contribute to the well-being of society.
Understanding the Meaning and Nature of Poetry
Young people should have a clear understanding of the meaning and concept of poetry. In essence, poetry is a form of literary art that uses aesthetic expression, rhythm, and often figurative language to evoke emotions and stimulate thought.
The word “poetry” is derived from the Greek term poiesis, meaning “creation” or “making”.
The poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772–1834) described poetry as “the best words in the best order.” He further defined it as “the imaginative power that uses language as a magical creative force of thought.”
Similarly, William Wordsworth (1771–1850) described poetry as “the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings…”
Through these perspectives, poetry is understood as a powerful artistic expression that blends imagination, emotion, and carefully chosen language to create meaningful and lasting impact.
The Essence of Good Poetry and Classical Views on Its Nature
A good poem uses words in a remarkably striking and imaginative way, capturing individual moments through fresh and creative expression. It often moves the reader to a joyful realization, prompting an emotional response such as, “Yes, that is exactly it. That is true.” At the same time, poetry is capable of raising profound philosophical questions about life and existence.
Among the many notable definitions of poetry, Aristotle offered a significant interpretation. He described poetry as a “medium of imitation,” through which life is represented or recreated via character, emotion, and action.
The American poet Robert Frost once famously remarked, “Poetry is what gets lost in translation.” His statement highlights the idea that the true essence, rhythm, and emotional depth of poetry cannot be fully preserved when translated into another language.
Modern Definitions and Perspectives on Poetry
“Poetry is the language through which human beings explore their own sense of wonder,” stated
Christopher Fry.
Similarly, Clive Sansom explained that poetry is “a rhythmic arrangement of words that expresses the writer’s imagination, emotions, and intellectual experiences, and in doing so, creates a similar experience in the mind of the reader or listener.”
The English novelist Thomas Hardy described poetry more simply, saying, “Poetry is emotion put into measure.”
Likewise, William Hazlitt defined poetry as “the language of imagination and passionate feeling.”
Three-Line Poetry and Its Artistic Expression in Myanmar Literature
When we first began writing poetry, we recall composing three-line poems for Thintbawa Magazine. At that time, the poetry editor was U San Phyu Kyaw Htun (also known as Sayar Ei Kyar Kway). Three-line poems are a distinctive form of Burmese poetry in which meaning and aesthetic expression are effectively conveyed within just three lines. They are typically based on a syllabic structure of four-word lines and are commonly composed using rhythmic patterns such as 4–3–2 or 4–4–4 schemes. These poems often express themes of love, longing, natural beauty, and reflections on life.
Examples “Compassion”
In the photograph, Seeing him standing still,
I fear for my beloved’s comfort.
— Min Yu Wai
“The Guest”
The cigarette is almost finished, The evening sky has grown dim, Please send me home now.
— Tin Moe
The Benefits of Reading Poetry for Young People
Therefore, it is important for young people to understand the benefits of reading poetry. Engaging with poetry enhances emotional intelligence, reduces stress, and improves cognitive function by encouraging readers to explore complex language and imagery. It also fosters empathy, enriches vocabulary, and provides a therapeutic outlet for emotions. In addition, poetry serves as a meaningful form of self-reflection and a way to connect deeply with others. It further stimulates creativity, strengthens memory, and promotes mental relaxation.
As Sara Wytovich states, “Poetry encourages us to give voice to feelings we cannot otherwise express. It is a way of preserving and honoring our fears, passions, joys, and memories, while allowing others to engage with and share in those moments.”
The Educational Value of Reading Poetry for Students and Young People
Reading poetry contributes significantly to the academic development of students and young people. The impact of reading poetry—particularly reading it aloud—has been widely studied by educators around the world. Engagement with poetry helps improve readers’ vocabulary and deepens their understanding of word meanings.
Therefore, including poetry in educational curricula is essential for expanding learners’
understanding of language. There is also growing academic interest in how creative activities such as poetry and the arts influence performance in other fields such as science and mathematics.
Poetry expresses thoughts and emotions in forms that differ from ordinary speech. Reading poetry can help young people view the world in new and imaginative ways. In the field of education, poetry plays an important role alongside language learning, helping students gain inspiration, confidence, and a sense of vitality in their lives.
In conclusion, poetry is not merely a literary form but a powerful expression of human imagination, emotion, and cultural identity. It connects people across time, language, and geography. For young people, studying and reading poetry is not only an academic exercise but also a way to develop creativity, emotional depth, and a meaningful understanding of life.