Introduction to Poetry

"hold it up to the light"

"or press an ear..."

"I say drop a mouse..."

"feel the walls..."

"waterski across..."

"waving at the author's name on the shore"

"But all they want to do..."

How NOT to approach poetry

• In a hurry
• Forcing meaning
• Expecting there to be one 'real' interpetation

How to approach poetry

• Look closely
• Listen (read aloud)
• Expect to feel lost at times
• Explore possible meanings
• Enjoy the experience!
• Accept the ambiguity