[stylist] How to Read a Poem

Tue Feb 21 17:32:45 UTC 2012

Myrna,
The reading aloud thing works for prose as well. I started my novel before I
learned to use the computer, and I spoke it into a tape recorder. Listening
to it and nowadays listening to Jaws and the Booksense reader read it are
very important tools for me. It has to sound right, the flow of each
sentence, the cadence of phrases, the way words cling or clash, that's
important to me.
Donna

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of KajunCutie926 at aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2012 11:27 AM
To: stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [stylist] How to Read a Poem

YES! YES! YES!  I was given this advice years  ago.  Every piece of poetry 
I write is read aloud before I ever share it  with anyone, anywhere.  As my 
poetry mentor told me "If it doesn't sound  right to you, then it likely 
will not sound or read right for anyone  else".  I have also learned that 
metered or syllabic poetry, unless done as  an assignment, can be
manipulated a 
bit.  I have written many metered poems  that read as though they were 
written in pentameter, as an example, but may have  a line or two with one
more or 
less syllable.  Shakespeare did that from  time to time as well.  The 
English language can be a strange bird at times  and I have becoming willing
to 
let the lyrical flow of words take the lead  instead of strict adherence to 
the rules of the form.
Reading poetry is not always easy, I will admit, and  yes, sometimes it is 
hard work, but when you find that gem that moves you, opens  your heart, and

touches your soul it all becomes worth it.

Myrna

In a message dated 2/21/2012 9:53:21 A.M. Central Standard Time,  
llambert at zoominternet.net writes:

For the  poetry lovers here on the list.

I jsut came acress this - a poem is  made to be read aloud. If it is not 
read aloud, then it is not complete. This  is a good article on how to read
a 
poem out loud.

There are a number of  really good books on how to READ A POEM. I have 
quite a few in my library and  used them in taching my poetry courses at the

college. Reading a poem is a  complex task.  But, it is a worthwhile
activity. 
It  is like  reaching the summit of the mountain after climbing it for 
hours.  It is a  JOB to read a poem - requires lots of WORK to get that job
done. 
It is a great  activity, to be alone in a room, with a poem. 

Lynda

Lynda  Lambert
104 River Road
Ellwood City, PA 16117

724 758  4979

My Blog:  http://www.walkingbyinnervision.blogspot.com
My  Website:   http://lyndalambert.com

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