Sometimes, a poem is a response to another poem or a poet responding to another poet. This poem is in response to Lemn Sissay’s “Some Things I Like,” upon his calling attention to the undervalued, the unpolished, and rejected, where he closes with an imperative for the reader to “see.” This poem delivers a raw portrayal of societal decay, juxtaposed with hope, and sharp, vivid imagery to highlight a world filled with brokenness and contradiction. 

That Is Poetry explores the essence of poetry itself—how it captures fleeting moments, deep emotions, and raw truths. The poem reflects on language as an art form, shaping meaning beyond mere words.