How to read and understand a poem

Every so often on this blog we plan to feature guest posts that add value to the series of informative posts supporting your poetic journey. This post was kindly written by one of our Invisible Poets member (Olusegun Ajeyi).

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I know you may be wondering, why on earth should reading and understanding poetry be a topic of discussion? Why is it even important to read poetry? What is the importance of understanding it? How does it concern you or affect your life? Why should you even care? 

If these are your questions then follow me closely as I am about to give you satisfactory answers that will soothe your soul and quench your thirst like a chilled juice on a hot summer day. And if any of these questions does not bother you at all, you are also invited to come and have a sip of this chilled juice. Who doesn't like better things? Nobody, right? Without beating around the bush let's go straight into business.

Poetry is unarguably the most artistic genre of literature. It is very unique and dynamic in its use of figurative language to evoke emotion, paint vivid imagery, convey complex ideas, and communicate the depths of the human souls.

Poetry is as old as the universe itself; it can be found in many different cultures of the world. Poetry has been used throughout history as a powerful tool to fight against vices, break down vultures and it continues to be a vehicle to convey important messages and ideas for a positive transformation in our global community.

Reading and understanding poetry can be a challenging task, but it is absolutely a rewarding and enriching experience. Here are some practical steps to enhance your reading and aid your understanding of poetry.

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1. READ THE POEM MULTIPLE TIMES

To read and understand anything at all, you should read as many times as possible, this is especially more important when it comes to reading poetry.

Poetry is not meant to be read quickly or in a hurry. You should take your time to ingest and digest every single word, line, and verse like a hearty meal. ​ 

Pay keen attention to the theme, figure of speech, rhythm, rhyme and meter of the poem. The joy of comprehension and the ability to read and retain what is read will be worth every second spent as repeated reading can help you develop a good reading habit which is important for continued learning and personal (mental) ​ development.

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2. FIND THE CENTRAL MESSAGE OF THE POEM

Pay undivided attention to the themes and motifs present in the poem. That's, the center message the poet is trying to communicate. This will help you understand the poet's point of view, opinions and what they are trying to convey. Know that understanding the poet's point of view doesn't stop you from bringing in your own interpretation as the poem resonate with you on a personal level. 

But this should be done carefully, to be able to learn how to tolerate others' opinions for mutual understanding and effective communication. As the popular Yoruba adage says: "It is he that holds the drumming stick that knows the true interpretation of the drumbeat." So you should strive to know what the poet is saying, not what you want him to say.

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3. ANALYZE LITERARY DEVICES

Poets​ use literary devices such as metaphors, similes, personification, imagery etc. to convey their message. For you to fully understand the poem, you must analyze each literary device employed by the poet and how well it conveys the poet's message.

Failure to do this will cause misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the poem thereby disrupting its true meaning which will lead to misrepresentation of the poet's intention.

For this reason it is very important to pay attention to these devices and how they contribute to the overall meaning of the poem.

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4. CONSIDER THE CONTEXT

While one of the crucial things to do when reading is to look up the meaning of difficult words from the dictionary, that's is not enough to grasp the true meaning of words in a poem. Each word must be interpreted and understood within its historical, cultural and textual context. "

Very bad" can mean in good condition when you check up a dictionary, in the early century or in a particular cultural and textual context but don't be surprised that "very bad" can actually be used to mean something is too good to be true, e.g Mr. Ade bought a "very bad" ​ brand new car (very bad – beautiful or sophisticated car).

In the 14th century or so the word "gay" originally meant (happy or lighthearted) but it gradually came to be associated with homosexuality around the 20th century.

If I say, "you are gay" ( Note: I didn't say you are a Gay) the meaning depends on the historical, cultural and textual context of whatever precedes that phrase).

Understanding the historical, cultural and textual context in which the poem was written can provide valuable insight into its meaning and message. 

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5. CONNECT IT WITH YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES

 Poetry is often deeply personal and can resonate with your own ​ life experiences. Try to connect with the poem on a personal level and consider how it relates to your own life.

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6. LOOK UP THE MEANINGS OF DIFFICULT WORDS IN THE DICTIONARY

Remember this is just a means to an end not an end itself. The context still has to be considered to know the true meaning of each individual word and whether the word has been used as a verb, a noun, an adjective or an adverb.

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7. REVIEW THE TITLE OF THE POEM

As the title can shed more light on the entire message of the poem. You should try and understand the title and review it to see how it correlates to the poem.

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8. GET TO KNOW ABOUT THE POET 

Knowing the cultural background, style of writing, belief and conviction of the poet is a guiding light to what to expect from his poetry.

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9. STUDY THE CHARACTER OF THE POEM

This should not be confused with the poet himself. Just like watching a drama or reading a play, a poet can portray a character in his poem which just does not in any way represent the personality of the poet.

Reading and understanding poetry also have a positive impact on other areas of life. It improves your critical thinking skills, enhances creativity, and provides a deeper understanding and mastery of language for effective ​ communication.

I hope these steps help you in your journey to read,understand and appreciate poetry.

Which of these steps do you find more interesting or challenging?

Have you learned anything new? What other steps do you know that I do not mention, feel free to tell me in the comment section.

© ️The Pioneer Poet Olusegun Ajeyi

Image © Emmanuel Olajide

The Rhythmic Magic of Syllable Counting

Poetry with its rich tapestry and variety of words, have the ability to captivate and move us in very profound ways. One of the essential elements that contribute to the beauty and musicality of poetry is its rhythm. Syllable counting, a technique employed by poets across various cultures and eras, plays a vital role in creating a mesmerizing flow within a poem. I’ve been experimenting with this especially very much lately and I’ve been quite impressed with some of the rhythmic qualities and outcomes articulated. Thus in this blog we will explore the rhythmic effectiveness of syllable counting in poetry and how it enhances the overall flow, lending enchantment to the written word.

1. Establishing a Meter:

Syllable counting helps establish a meter, which is the underlying rhythmical pattern of a poem. By assigning a specific number of syllables to each line or stanza, poets create a consistent beat that guides the reader through the poem. Common meters include iambic pentameter (ten syllables per line with alternating stressed and unstressed syllables) and haiku (three lines with a 5-7-5 syllable pattern). This rhythmic structure enhances the flow and musicality of the poem.

2. Enhancing Musicality:

Syllable counting contributes to the musical quality of poetry. The deliberate arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables creates a natural ebb and flow, resembling the rise and fall of musical notes. When younger I used to be gripped by the melodies crafted into many of the works of Robert Burns. Syllable counting is a very alluring reason why I was captivated and inspired at an early age to poetry itself. This rhythmic interplay adds a melodic quality to the poem, engaging the reader's senses and creating a captivating auditory experience.

3. Controlling Pacing and Emphasis:

Syllable counting allows poets to control the pacing and emphasis within a poem. By varying the syllable count, poets can create a faster or slower tempo, influencing the reader's reading speed and breath. Shorter lines with fewer syllables may quicken the pace, while longer lines with more syllables can slow it down. This manipulation of rhythm adds depth and nuance to the poem, guiding the reader's emotional journey.

4. Achieving Poetic Balance:

Syllable counting helps achieve balance within a poem. By adhering to a specific syllable count, poets ensure that each line or stanza receives equal attention and contributes to the overall harmony of the composition. This balance aids in creating a sense of completeness and unity, allowing the poem to resonate with the reader on a profound level.

5. Enhancing Visual Aesthetics:

Syllable counting can also enhance the visual aesthetics of a poem. I have been finding this out more and more lately with my own compositions. Masterful poets often arrange their lines on the page in a deliberate manner, creating visual patterns that complement the rhythmic structure. The symmetrical placement of lines or the alignment of syllables can add to the overall beauty and impact of the poem, engaging the reader's visual senses alongside the auditory experience.

Syllable counting is a powerful technique that contributes to the rhythmic effectiveness and flow of poetry. By establishing a meter, enhancing musicality, controlling pacing and emphasis, achieving poetic balance, and enhancing visual aesthetics, syllable counting adds a layer of enchantment to the written word. Whether adhering to established poetic forms or experimenting with unique syllable patterns, poets can harness the magic of rhythm to create poems that resonate deeply with their readers. So, let the syllables dance and the words sing, for in the realm of poetry, the rhythmic flow holds the key to unlocking the beauty of language and I encourage everyone interested to give this handy technique a try. 

By: Brandon Adam Haven 

Photo by: Brandon Adam Haven 

Twisted pair challenge

A while back I gave my global teacher community a challenged called Twisted Pair. It was to encourage them to write creatively and stretch the imagination. The rule was simple: Choose two characters from history and/or popular culture (they could be real or fictional) and write a short story about their meeting and what might possibly happen. 

Here's the same challenge for all you poets: Choose yourself two characters and write a short poem about their meeting. It could be the most unlikely characters you could possible think of: King Henry VIII and Donald Duck. John Wayne and Batman ... how about Marilyn Monroe and the Phantom of the Opera? 

Here's my example: 

Bela Meets Nancy

When Bela Lugosi meet Nancy Pelosi 
He ask for a dancy cos she take his fancy
Lugosi drink rosè and soon he proposi
"I'm happily married to Pauly", says Nancy 
Then Bela Lugosi begin to get antsy
The ring on her finger is something he can't see
He all lost for words like the magic man Teller
Cos Nancy don't fancy a fella called Bela

Steve Wheeler © 18 November, 2023

The poem doesn't have to rhyme, and neither do the names! In my example the names to rhyme, and I've exploited that feature. Tag you poem #TwistedPair and let's see what we can all come up with! You can share it below in the comments section, on any Facebook poetry group pages, or anywhere else on the web. Let's see how far we can spread this challenge! 

Steve Wheeler

Image from Wikimedia Commons

 

Finding Your Performance Poetry Voice

When I used to read poems in college coffeehouses, I thought they should be read like a Shakespearian actor, with intense drama that demanded attention. “Foul wretched soul... BE GONE!”… Haha… I’ve come a long way (I hope)! Although this CAN give your words wings, overdoing it can work AGAINST you. This blog is about finding your performance poetry VOICE. 

Your voice as a performance poet carries just as much weight as the poem itself. It’s all that’s between you and the audience, providing the surface on which to drive your message. Your job is to keep it a smooth one. Here are a few important things to remember:

1.) Volume is important first of all. If they can’t hear you, distraction sets in. In public speaking this is known as projection… speaking to the back row and into the peanut gallery above. Let them know you are THERE… going with a soft tone for subtle poems or lines, getting loud for exclamation where it counts.

2.) Inflection follows… it sets the scene for words or phrases. The proper pronunciation is part of this… always being aware of the next word and the next emotion you intend to convey. Inflection, or emphasizing particular passages or words, packs the punch when you need it… or whispers vulnerability or sentiment.

3.) If you use accents, use them sparingly. You can instantly ruin a great reading by donning a fake accent! If properly used, they can be incorporated with great effect in conjunction with the message of the poem. Otherwise, try to avoid them. Be yourself! DO NOT GO OVER THE TOP… it’s a long fall over the edge of over-exuberance! Audiences sense inauthenticity.

4.) Breath is everything. Silence speaks following profound statements that you want to resound within the minds of those listening. A touch of quiet also allows you, as the performer,  to catch your breath and maintain a focus. Breaks are found in music. They are just as effective in poetry.

Volume. Inflection. Proper pronunciation. Tone. Accents. Breath. Breaks. Maintaining focus. These are all effective means to a successful end in taking your poetry on another level to an audience.

Did you enjoy this article? Can you add anything to it? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Thank you for reading and should you get out there performing… shake a leg! Hey… it worked for Elvis…

Matt Elmore

Image from: Unsplash 

Tai Chi Poetry

As I was driving to work this morning, I heard a news story on National Public Radio about the benefits of using Tai Chi for those with dementia and minor memory loss. A study was taken where those using minor Tai Chi maneuvers while performing some small mental tasks improved their “cognitive score”.

This got me to thinking about what poetry can do to calm us. While I doubt anyone is going to be reading or writing poems while practicing some choice swanlike Tai Chi moves, I do know that poems do take me to a better place within my mind, leaving me feeling renewed. 

How is this possible, and by what poetic means could it do so?

A study incorporating poetry workshops in Cambridge and Las Vegas exhibited success in using poetry to deal with mental health issues, as well as loneliness. Sharing feelings developed a sense of community with those who participated. Some fear, anxiety, and stress was shown in the study to be lowered by the reading and writing of poems.

Other studies have also shown poetry to have alleviated pain intensity in cancer patients, improved memory, and helped children deal with emotions to cope with challenges.

Many use music for this purpose… playing classical music in nursing homes soothes troubled days. It has also been proven that music in the workplace increases productivity and morale. Poetry could be also be considered music without a voice or instruments, conveying feelings and emotions to cool one out on a bad day.

Poems about water, bird songs, sunsets, clouds, wooded areas, mountains, flowers, and various other aspects of nature seem to be effective in evoking peaceful imagery. Just as the sound of water is known to bring those anxiety levels down… words describing water can as well.

Fantasy poems can be relaxing. Just as the mind dreams in sleep of desires and comforts, so can words of poetry evoke similar calming illusions to bring satiation. Forests of fairy sprites, happenings in Celtic castles, a romantic rendezvous,… any of which can initiate some daydreaming to take it all down a notch. Is this not what some poetry does?

Do you think this is possible? Are there other forms of poetry that take you to that patient place of relaxation and escape? Perhaps even enhances your capacity to perform tasks better after having read them? 

I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to leave any comments below and let’s talk about how poetry can bring you balance and clarity… without one Tai Chi lesson... or maybe having one would be a great idea after all….! Thank you for reading!

Matt Elmore

Image from: Unsplash 

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/11/06/1210507968/thai-chi-word-games-cognition-mentally-sharp-meditation-motion

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7447694/

https://medium.com/inspire-the-mind/the-therapeutic-power-of-poetry-whats-the-evidence-208fa59fe09b#:~:text=The%20study%20found%20reductions%20in,them%20reflect%20on%20their%20feelings.

Is Poetry Useful In Today's World?

 

How is poetry actually used today? Is it actually relevant, or has it gone the way of tap dancing or having the best yodel?

I believe there is a modern practicality to poetry that stands up to attention once given the proper salute. The poetic craft has become an often overlooked art in today’s society, not to mention entertainment. 

Let us consider the cream of the crop at the very top of acceptable integration of poetry within our modern days… greeting cards! Ah yes… to celebrate birthdays, personify graduations, elevate anniversaries, pay homage to holidays… open the card and therein lies the sentiment! Funny… serious… topical… cards run the gambit of tastes, as does the poetry within.

Tributes and eulogies often strike the same chords don’t they? Honoring one that has aspired to particularly exuberant greatness deserving of particular praise, or even just a loved one that has touched many before passing… poetry dresses the naked truth. Many truths are not hard to accept… yet beautiful words can soften the blow.

I’ve walked many a cemetery behind churches reading old epitaphs etched into broken tombstones. I did this not out of morbid curiosity, but out of an endearing respect for the dead and calm about the grounds. I still seek words that may provide some insight as to who those souls were besides the usual names and dates… though I’ve often found the same phrases on different stones, picked out of a marble chiselers book of hungry bards!

Political speeches have been known to wax poetic idealisms and poignant commonalities, garnering enough sentiment to stir the hearts of the people,… or to even consecrate an occasion. Lincoln’s Gettysburg address remains every bit as timeless and touching to me as the most profound verse.

Performance Poetry stands out as something that is not so well known, but equally as relevant. There are a number of bards that excel at explosive expositions that are not only noteworthy both comically and tragically, but also extremely entertaining as well. Music deserves a note here as well… many poetic songwriters out there today influencing how we think. Radio jingles  jangle advertising in our ear often with catchy phrases or rhymes that reflect creative flows. I’ve seen inner city murals with bits of thoughts that contain amazing poetry that inspire thought just passing by…

Finally… there’s the old books of literature grandpa and grandma hold dear… and some young folks too! Those masters whose words live on in poetry classes from sea to resilient sea… whose works shall never go quietly into the night. When we hear their words… we celebrate next level authors in our hearts… living or otherwise…

Yes… there is a NEED FOR POETRY today that deserves a salute! Have you ever written any of the above? Maybe you have another practical use I haven’t covered? I would love to hear from you. Feel free to share your comments below and thank you for reading! 

Matt Elmore