A Comprehensive Guide to Starting Your Journey with English Poetry

Starting to read English poetry can be an enriching experience, providing insights into human emotions, historical contexts, and cultural nuances. Here, you’ll find a series of steps to help you embark on your poetic journey:

1. Choose Accessible Poems

To ease your entry into this literary world, start with accessible poems. Anthologies like World Famous Poetry can offer a diverse selection of styles and periods. Alternatively, contemporary poets like Mary Oliver, Rupi Kaur, or Billy Collins can be a great starting point. Their work is often easier to understand and will help you build confidence in your poetic journeys.

2. Read Aloud

Listening to poetry enhances its impact. Reading aloud is a practice that can help you appreciate the rhythm, tone, and emotional depth of the words. Whether it’s alone or aloud with friends, the vocalization of poetry can reveal nuances that mere reading might miss.

3. Explore Different Forms

Poetry comes in various forms, such as sonnets, haikus, and free verse. Familiarizing yourself with these forms can provide a broader understanding of the craft. Experimenting with different structures can also be a rewarding experience, allowing you to develop your own poetic voice.

4. Understand the Context

To deepen your appreciation of poetry, research the poets and the historical context of their work. This background knowledge can enhance your comprehension of the themes and styles. For example, understanding the political backdrop of T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land can provide rich insights into the poem's significance.

5. Reflect and Analyze

After reading a poem, take some time to reflect on its meaning. Consider what feelings it evokes and how the language contributes to its message. Writing down your thoughts can also be beneficial, as it aids in your analysis and personal connection to the work.

6. Join a Community

Engaging with a community can deepen your appreciation and understanding of poetry. Participate in poetry groups or online forums like Goodreads or poetry-focused subreddits to share your thoughts and discover new works. Joining a community can also provide opportunities for discussion and feedback.

7. Keep a Journal

Writing down your thoughts about the poems you read can be a valuable practice. Reflect on what resonates with you and why. This journal can serve as a record of your poetic journey, marking your growth and discoveries.

8. Attend Readings or Workshops

Look for local poetry readings or workshops. Attending these events can provide opportunities to listen to poets read their work and can offer a deeper understanding of the craft. Engaging with others can also inspire your own creative endeavors.

9. Experiment with Writing

Finally, try writing your own poems. This can help you appreciate the craft more deeply and develop your own voice. Experimentation is key in poetry, and fearlessly exploring different styles and themes can lead to unexpected discoveries.

Recommended Poems to Start With

Anthologies like World Famous Poetry and collections by Bob Perelman Contemporary poets like Mary Oliver, Rupi Kaur, and Billy Collins Works by classical poets like Richard W. Burton and Fredric Baker

Start with these steps and enjoy your journey into the world of poetry! Remember, there are many excellent websites dedicated to poetry. Some favorites include and Additionally, a favorite poem of mine is Pablo Neruda’s Song to Unheard Poetry, which provides insights into the meaning and purpose of poetry. It’s a wonderful starting point for anyone seeking to explore this rich form of literary expression.

Robert Frost is another excellent starting point, with his ‘easy-reading’ poems such as After Apple-Picking. There is an easily found website where poets have read their poems aloud. You should also read Langston Hughes’ “I’ve Known Rivers”, which is a poem to read sooner rather than later and is available to listen to online.

That’s a start – and remember, the journey of poetry is an infinitely rewarding one. Enjoy your exploration!