Poets throughout the world use rhythm and imagery to entice their readers. Recognizing the universal role of poetry, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated March 21 as World Poetry Day since 1999.
Descriptive imagery abounds in the work of poets, some of whom have drawn on their experiences with vision loss. Poet, short story writer and literary critic Jorge Luis Borges experienced progressive vision loss and described it in his work: “At the far end of my years I am surrounded by a persistent, luminous, fine mist which reduces all things to a single thing with neither form nor colour.” For more about Borges, his renown and how his vision influenced his work, as well as other writers with visual impairment, check out this article from Vision Australia: Famous writers who were blind or had low vision.
Deanna Quietwater Noriega’s poetry helps her “get through the tough times,” through a varied array of styles. Noriega, who has been blind since childhood, conveys her personal experiences, wisdom and humor in her writing. She shares her insights – and some poetry – in How Poetry Helps Me Move On As A Blind Person,” posted on VisionAware. She explains that writing provides “a way to think through a problem or even capture the joy of a moment.”
And as a final treat, here’s a sample of Ms. Noriega’s work and humor:
SIRI
In my smart phone lives a dumb blonde named SIRI.
Her antics can make me feel Teary.
My humble requests,
She treats as mere jests,
And keeps me double tap tapping till weary!
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