I spent yesterday and today reading submissions so far in the Poetry Pod. If you read my post yesterday, you know that poetry is not exactly my favorite genre, but it is one where I do have favorite selections. Reading your submissions, especially in the discussion board and the blogs, tells me that some of you really don't care for poetry that much.
Look at it this way. As with anything that is written, reader interpretation comes into play. It happens with novels, short stories, blog posts, editorials, letters to the editor, text messages, facebook statuses, and POEMS. One of things that is cool about poetry is that there can be as many interpretations of one poem as there are people who are reading it. Another appreciation is that not only does content come into play, but there are many techniques that make or break singular poems.
Look at the use of senses in "The Red Wheelbarrow." The use of speaker in many of Frost's poems--who is the apple picker? Who is debating about which road to take--or not take? Look at the imagery in the poem about the boy and his father dancing (title is escaping me--sorry). What about the personification in many of Sandburg's poems? The rhythm in Brooks' verse? Do you notice any rhyme, stanzas, alliteration? There is skill shown in these poems, not only in the subject, but also in the style.
My challenge to you is to go into this next week not with dread and procrastination, or fearing that your interpretation may not be the correct one, but to find a new appreciation of a genre that may be at the bottom of your list of favorites. Find at least one poem that you enjoy, that has made this Pod a great learning experience for you. Tell a friend, your husband, your wife, your children, your parents or your siblings about a fantastic poet you read about that you never knew about before.
And now, as always...
Happy POETRY Reading!
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