Poems
Find some anthologies for high school students. Here you will find carefully selected poems
worth studying.
Read them first for pleasure. Never mind analysing at this point. What appeals to you? Take
your time to feel what the poems are doing for you, to you. Read them again, slowly, and
again. Pick out a favourite; give it full attention; allow it to speak to you.
Consider: the poem you love has affected you purely with words. Just - words. How powerful
is that? Read it aloud - slowly, with feeling.
Now, note the way the words are used: how they sound, how they relate to each other, what
connotations and meanings they evoke in you. Think about this, and let the poem work its
magic on you. Then start writing about your reactions in your own words. Be honest, don’t be
afraid to be real, wherever the stream of thought takes you. Keep writing. Read what you’ve
written and see if you’ve learnt something.
In this way you’ve approached poetry subjectively and objectively. Keep up this practice:
read read read, and write write write. Perhaps what you write may be in the forms of your
favourite poems one day - and that’s good.
1. Read a Variety of Poems: Begin by reading a wide range of poems from
different poets, styles, and time periods. This will help you understand the
various forms and techniques used in poetry. Done.
2. Study the Basics: Learn about the basic elements of poetry such as rhyme,
meter, form, imagery, symbolism, and themes. Understanding these
elements will help you appreciate and analyse poems better.
3. Take a Poetry Course: Consider enrolling in a poetry course or workshop.
Many community centres, colleges, and online platforms offer courses
where you can learn about different aspects of poetry and get feedback on
your own work.
4. Write Regularly: Practice writing your own poems regularly. Don't worry
about making them perfect at first; the more you write, the more you'll
improve. Experiment with different forms and styles to find what resonates
with you.
5. Join a Poetry Group: Joining a poetry group or community can be a great
way to share your work, get feedback, and engage with other poets. You can
also attend poetry readings and open mic events to immerse yourself in the
poetry scene.
6. Study Poets and Movements: Explore the works of famous poets and
different poetic movements. Understanding the context in which a poem
was written can deepen your appreciation for it and inspire your own
writing.
7. Keep a Poetry Journal: Start a poetry journal where you can jot down
ideas, lines, and observations that inspire you. This can be a great resource
for developing your poems and experimenting with new ideas.
8. Revise and Edit: After writing a poem, take the time to revise and edit it.
Pay attention to the language, imagery, and structure of the poem to make it
as strong and impactful as possible.
9. Seek Feedback: Share your poems with others and seek feedback from
fellow poets, teachers, or mentors. Constructive criticism can help you
identify areas for improvement and grow as a poet.
10. Stay Inspired: Keep reading, writing, and exploring new ideas to stay
inspired. Poetry is a deeply personal and reflective art form, so draw
inspiration from your own experiences, emotions, and observations.
