HOW TO READ A POEM

There’s really only one reason why poetry has gotten a reputation for being so “difficult”: It demands your full attention. 【小题1】

Follow Your Ears. It’s okay to ask “What does it mean?” when you are reading a poem. But it’s even better to ask “How does it sound?” 【小题2】 Even if you can’t understand a single thing about a poem’s “subject” or “theme”, you can always say something — anything — about the sound of the words.

【小题3】 OK, we’re not saying you have to shout it from the rooftops. If you’re embarrassed and want to lock yourself in the attic (阁楼) and read the poem in the quietest whisper, go ahead. But reading aloud is really an effective way to understand a poem, because reading even part of it aloud can totally change your perspective on how it works

Read in Different Places. Just like music, the experience of poetry changes depending on your mood and the environment. Read in as many different places as possible: at the beach, on a mountain, in the subway. 【小题4】

Think Like a Poet. Here’s a fun exercise. Go through the poem one line at a time, covering up the next line with your hand so you can’t see it. Put yourself in the poet’s shoes: 【小题5】 If you start to think like this, you’ll be able to appreciate all the different choices that go into making a poem.