On Forgotten History

[Vistaldust]

it is not hard, but like anything worth doing, it takes time. Here are some useful tips.

1. Read through a poem around 10 times before rushing to hit the "reply" button.
2. On the first pass, try to enjoy the reading. Note lines, expression, word choices, etc. that you like.
3. On the second and third reads, try to pick out things that detract from your enjoyment (awkwardness, poor scansion, line breaks etc) weird grammar or syntax, poor spelling, cliches.
4. On your fourth and fifth reads, try to analyze why the writer picked /specific/ words. Are there double meaning? Symbolism? If the writer picked orchids at a funeral instead of irises, why?
5. Use google. There may be some words or concepts you are not familiar with.
6. What is the central metaphor? Does the word choice the author used complement it? Does it contrast it?
7. See #6 and consider if the writer was trying to use thesis/antithesis, perhaps for allegorical or satirical intent. (note - all Shakespearean sonnets should use thesis/antithesis in the final couplet>
8. Read once more to enjoy the poem. Feel the rhythm, say the words out loud.
9. Make a recording of the poem and listen back to it. Note areas that give you problems in the reading.
10. Comment"I liked this" and rush to post another poem of your own.

Thanks a lot for the help. I appreciate it. I didn't intend to start off on this site as a new "irritant". I was a bit overexcited, I guess. But I see this can be a really great site to learn and perhaps contribute as well.

You are not being an irritant, you obviously are very excited about poetry and you have some talent and that is great. It is in my best interest (and yours) for you to become a /contributor/ to the site, not a /user/ of the site so I am trying to gently steer you in the right direction so you don't stomp off in a temper tantrum like so many "pop-ins" we get through here daily.

Hopefully you stick around and become a contributor.

I believe I will. I have the feeling I'm going to get to know you, well, milo. Thanks for your time.