Your boredom, at least, tells you that much. In the nineteenth century, poets such as Byron and Tennyson were celebrities of Hollywood status. Movies and television may draw more viewers now, but poetry continues to inspire us, reveal us to one another, and teach us important truths about being human. There is nothing like poetry to throw light into the dark corners of existence, and make life's runaway locomotive slow down for a moment so that it can be enjoyed. Science and technology explain much of our world.
Poetry offers truths based on intuition, a keen eye, and the tumultuous experiences of the poet.
The best poems are rich with observational truths. The Bible speaks of the postwar conversion of swords into plowshares. If the metallic plowshares had been produced in the first place, sufficient food production for everybody would have been possible. Lack of food and other life support brought about the fighting to begin with. Those suggesting production of metal plowshares before the war were always given the brush-off by tribal or state leaders and told, 'Metal plowshares are far too expensive.