A boy reading a book in the library. [Getty Images] In days gone, creative works of art like songs, narratives, poems, riddles and proverbs were passed down through spoken word around fireplaces, village arenas and social gatherings. Then, as now, works of art express human experiences, emotions, and ideas with tasteful intention and aesthetic merit. Creative forms of literature were central in the lives of the communities involved because they helped in preserving the culture of the people and fostering cohesion. They also acted as powerful tools of transmitting knowledge across generations. Fast forward and today most forms of oral literature such as song, play, poetry…