Why did World War I soldiers write poetry instead of letters?

It's a common misconception that World War I soldiers wrote poetry instead of letters. They actually wrote both, and often poetry within their letters. Here's why poetry became a prevalent form of expression during the war:

* Emotional Release: The horrors of trench warfare, the constant threat of death, the brutal conditions - all these were deeply emotional experiences. Poetry offered a powerful outlet for soldiers to process their feelings, fears, and anxieties. It allowed them to express the raw emotions they couldn't easily convey in prose.

* Communicating the Inexpressible: The realities of war were often difficult to describe in everyday language. Poetry, with its use of imagery, metaphor, and symbolism, could convey the visceral experience of war in a way that prose couldn't.

* A Shared Experience: Poetry was a powerful tool for building camaraderie and a sense of shared understanding amongst soldiers. It allowed them to connect with each other on an emotional level and recognize the universal human experience of war.

* Artistic Expression: Many soldiers were drawn to poetry as a form of artistic expression. It offered them a way to explore their creativity and find solace in a world dominated by violence and destruction.

* Dissemination and Impact: Poetry written by soldiers gained widespread recognition and was often published in newspapers and magazines. This gave the public a glimpse into the reality of war and helped to shape public opinion about the conflict.

While letters were a primary form of communication, poetry offered a deeper and more profound way for soldiers to express their experiences. So, it wasn't a case of *instead*, but rather *in addition to* letters.