Poetry

Today my friend was texting me about a poetry assignment he had to start. 
I am a fan of poetry and I especially enjoy english class. I wasn't offended when he told me he didn't like poetry, instead I felt empathy for him. I felt em pathetic because I believe most people who do not enjoy reading or writing poetry are afraid of 'exposing themselves'. I don't believe that they don't like it because they do not understand it, I mean, is poetry even really meant to be fully understood? The poet of a poem is writing usually out of emotional frustration and confusion-even the author won't necessarily truly or fully understand the meaning of their work. 
The point is that every reader reading that poem will be able to connect in their own way -not necessarily understand it, just feel an emotional connection of some sort. 
Anyways, back to the whole 'exposing themselves' bit! I believe the majority of my peers would be much too afraid and insecure to write a poem so sincere, deep and soul bearing, because they are afraid of how others will judge them. Just as I know many intelligent people who act dumb or *dumb-it-down* to 'fit in' and be socially accepted. I understand a need and feeling to 'belong' but honestly, that is not how you do it. 
Quite ridiculous.... The people who do this are the people who miss out on life, really. When you're so consumed in how everybody else see's you, you begin to forget about what and who you love, and what makes you truly happy. 
Because of this, you may avoid trying new things which ultimately means missing out on many new, potentially life changing experiences. (Positive ones of course, I'd hope...)
When a new writer picks up a pen or pencil and begins to write, it might not be easy and certainly won't be perfect... Depending on what your view of 'perfection' is, but that's a whole other story!
When a new writer figures out what it is they love to write about, is when they have hit oil
When I begin writing about subjects I connect to on an emotional level I could write forever and I'm glad many other people feel that way. I write until my arm is too sore to write a single word more -always!
Poetry is a great way to cleanse your mind and get rid of that extra stress you bare inside of your body. Its like when I go for a run -new scenery is created in my mind and I can run for miles. When I'm finished I always feel so liberated and better about the situation. My favourite part about writing is that while I have written for others, writing is mostly a hobby I participate in for my own benefit. 
So, I am sorry for all of those who are too afraid of being judged on their work to actually write something meaningful. -i mean, who knows, maybe they have a beautiful talent they have yet to discover !