How to Start Reading Poetry

When approaching poetry, it's essential to shift your perspective and embrace a different reading mode. Many people, like myself, have struggled to connect with poetry initially, perceiving it as a collection of random words haphazardly arranged on a page. However, a breakthrough occurred for me a few years ago when I realized that poetry demands an entirely distinct approach to reading.

Sound first

To truly appreciate poetry, it's crucial not to judge or dissect the poem before giving it a chance. Instead, approach it with an open mind, much like you would with song lyrics. Focus on the sounds and rhythm, allowing them to guide you through the piece. By immersing yourself in the auditory experience, you'll discover nuances and intricacies that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.

When reading a poem, resist the temptation to analyze each individual word immediately. Instead, let the words flow naturally, maintaining a consistent pace from beginning to end. This method enables you to appreciate the poem's overall composition and understand its emotional resonance.

By approaching poetry with a focus on the sensory aspects, you allow yourself to become fully immersed in the language and emotions it conveys. Don't be afraid to read a poem multiple times, each reading unraveling new layers of meaning and appreciation.

Play with words

As you immerse yourself in the poem's soundscape, you'll inevitably encounter moments that catch your attention. Look out for instances of alliteration, where the repetition of consonant sounds adds a musical quality to the verse. These moments create a sense of harmony and rhythm, drawing you further into the poem's world.

In the realm of poetry, playing with words is an art form. Poets carefully select and arrange words to evoke specific emotions and create vivid imagery. As a reader, part of the joy comes from engaging with the language itself. Explore the interplay between different words, their meanings, and their sounds. Notice how the poet employs techniques such as rhyme, repetition, and wordplay to enhance the sensory experience of the poem.

Understand the range of accessibility

I watched Billy Collins' Masterclass some time ago, and there was a critical idea that he shared that I found very helpful: it's useful to pick up poets based on their accessibility — some are easier to read and digest, others are more complex and nuanced. This does not mean that they are better or worse. It's simply a different style. For example, starting with Emily Dickinson or Robert Frost (or, in the case of Portuguese poets, Adília Lopes or Ary dos Santos) is much easier than with W.B. Yeats or T.S. Eliot (Portuguese examples: Herberto Helder or Cesariny).

Remember, reading poetry is not a task to be completed but rather a journey to be enjoyed. Embrace the unique reading mode it demands, and you'll discover a world of beauty and expression within its verses.