04-20-2026, 10:35 PM
Quote: 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.
It usually lands about there for me, give or take a few.
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.
I tend to read the poem until 2 and 3 rise to the surface on their own while I try to absorb, sometimes riddle, the poem.
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?
This is a process I'll never finish learning, sometimes I analyze this much but not always.
5. Use google. There may be some words or concepts you are not familiar with.
On board with this.
6. What is the central metaphor? Does the word choice the author used complement it? Does it contrast it?
My weak point, I know it's what poetry is supposed to be about but I don't pick at it much, it rises or doesn't. I'm sure my own work would improve if I paid more attention to this. Note to self: Don't skip step 6!
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>
This I try to do but am often unsuccessful.
8. Read once more to enjoy the poem. Feel the rhythm, say the words out loud.
Sometimes I read out loud but not often, I usually read in a noisy environment.
9. Make a recording of the poem and listen back to it. Note areas that give you problems in the reading.
The one time I did this it helped but never got in the habit.
10. Comment “I liked this" and rush to post another poem of your own.
Always good to end on a giggle.