How to read a poem

Let me apologise for using a derogatory title. That you don't know how to read a poem? Or I want to sound arrogant? Maybe. But wait, do you know how to read? More than a decade ago I sat on the dung-plastered open veranda to loudly read so that mama knew I could! But she paused me to say, 'Good reading is silent reading'. To adapt was not easy. I cannot brag I am better now.

I internally get angered when I ask someone to read a poem I wrote and what she does is to read through quickly as if it was some other piece of gossip article. It happens anyway that what you think is must-read is someones nothing. I proposed some songs to a person- songs that bleed my heart-and what she did was to say, 'they boring'. well.

But I don't think there is a wide variance between our likes. It is a matter of exposure and curiosity. Can't you think of a certain prevailing topic and get interested to find out? You living with a roommate of different likes...have you ever got nosy to step in his shoes? I am not what I originally made. Country songs that I love are my friend's affecting. Books that I read are my teacher's insist. It is a matter of picking up and growing through.

A poem for that matter should not be read with a lady who-was-first-told-she-is-beautiful attitude. Take time to read through each word with increased understanding and trigger of thoughts with some repetitions. I have come to love a poem just after reading the last word or sentense- sometimes it is never understood and the breadth tend to keep much away.

People of short mood runs- I do change quickly from extreme happiness to aloofness- find poetry interesting. It is a condensed novel. It speaks so much in so little space hence saving the lazy minds time to idle awhile. I used to dislike poetry until recently- you never know when perfection comes, just keep self in the practise room.

Don't wait for a poet to use the 'right' words and styles. Yes there are petty writers like any field that has competing spectators. A poet writes how best a thought could be brought down but remember originality is still in the brain. Therefore do not look at the words and comment in your head. Seek to know deeper- context, mood, your experiences, writer's experience, related lessons...and if you can't be imaginative, start meditating. I can't speak much.

Pic by Peter Loughlin