Author: Bertolt Brecht
My young son asks me: Must I learn mathematics? What is the use, I feel like saying. That two pieces of bread are more than one You will notice. My young son asks me: Must I learn French? What is the use, I feel like saying. This State is going to fall soon And you will need to help make a better one. My young son asks me: Must I learn history? What is the use, I feel like saying. Learn to change the world And you will find out all about history.
Type of Poem: Lyric Poem
Date Written: 1940-01-01
Date Published: 1943-01-01
Language: German
Keywords: Education, Society, Change, Youth, Responsibility
Source: Selected Poems
Publisher: Suhrkamp Verlag
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: A poem that explores the questions of a young boy about the importance of education, offering a perspective that emphasizes the need for societal change and understanding the role of history in shaping the future.
Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.
Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:
From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.