About Reading Poetry
    To write [poetry] well it is entirely necessary to read widely and deeply.  Good poems are the best teachers.  Perhaps they are the only teachers.  I would go so far as to say that, if one must make a choice between reading or taking part in a workshop, one should read.

    Of course, looking through books of poems to find one's particular instructors and mentors takes considerable time.  Here are two things you might remember when you go into a bookstore or library and begin looking into the hundreds of books.

    Time--a few centuries here or there--means very little in the world of poems.  The Latin poets, the Victorian poets, the Black Mountain poets--they all left us poems that are of abiding interest.  The subjects that stir the heart are not so many, after all, and they do not change.  Styles change, and the historical backgrounds change, but these are only peripheral matters.

    In looking for poems and poets, don't dwell on the boundaries of style, or time, or even of countries and cultures.  Think of yourself rather as one member of a single, recognizable tribe.  Expect to understand poems of other eras and other cultures.

    Remember also that there is more poetry being written and published these days than anyone could possibly keep up with.

Assignment
    Your assignment is to choose your favorite poem.   Then, comment on the poem.  Explain why this is your favorite poem.  Consider how the poet uses sound devices, figurative language, line length, stanzas, etc.  For your poem, write one page (double spaced) commenting on what the poet does as well as what you have learned about writing poetry from completing this assignment.  This should NOT be an analysis similar to what you have learned in English class.  Rather, I would like to know what you have learned by reading this poem.  Comment on what it is you like specifically about the poem.  This will count as TWO workshop grades.  Your assignment is due on Wednesday, December 15th.  Be prepared to share your favorite poem with the class.

    Feel free to use this web site to find your poems:  http://www.poets.org