Writing about poetry has helped me become more aware of patterns and rhyme schemes, which I also try to use in my poetry. When I analyze a poem, I look for how the poet uses structure, which helps me think about how to use similar techniques when writing. Both writing poetry and writing about poetry require me to be inspired either to create meaning in my work or to understand the meaning in someone else’s.
However, there are differences. When I write my poetry, I know why I choose certain words or patterns because they come from my thoughts and feelings. In contrast, I have to research and interpret the poet’s meaning when I write about someone else’s poetry since I don’t know their exact intentions. While both processes involve finding patterns, I have a clearer understanding of my choices when writing my poetry because they stem from my thoughts and feelings.
From this experience, I learned how important it is to put ourselves in the poet’s shoes to understand the writing process and its inspirations better. This insight can help me teach my students to connect more deeply with different types of poetry. I also realized how essential it is to explore the poet’s history, time period, and background, as these factors can shape the poem’s meaning. By helping students consider these aspects, I can guide them to develop a stronger appreciation and understanding of poetry. Encouraging students to explore a poet's background, historical context, and the era in which they lived can greatly enhance their appreciation of poetry. This approach helps foster a deeper, more meaningful understanding of the artistic choices made by poets and the themes they address.
