Po *yawn* etry

Today, we started a new unit in English. Poetry. At the mere mention of it, half the class rolls their eyes and at least four people fall asleep. Why do people always react negatively to poetry? I mean, it doesn't have to be that boring. It isn't all entirely mushy or depressing. Granted, some is really cussed up, but doesn't it make us all feel a bit better when you find someone more messed up than you are? No? Just me? Anyway, maybe if people will open their minds a bit we'd all have a better view of the world. I mean, maybe it's just me, but writing keeps me sane. Why not find another solution to insanity? It's really only another way of expressing emotion... okay, I admit, that sounds a bit cheesy. But come on guys! Emily Dickinson? E. E. Cummings? SHAKESPEARE?? I know poetry isn't for everybody, but at least give it a try. We have to write a poem for next class, and I'm actually having fun with it. Of course it sucks, but doesn't everything in the beginning? Isn't progressing at something the joy of it?