1. How to Read a Poem: Beginner's Manual
Pamela Spiro Wagner
8 April 09 http://www.poets.org/poemADay.php
http://chslib.somsd.k12.nj.us/~chslib/summer%20reading.gif

2. How to Read a Poem: Beginner's Manual
First, forget everything you have learned,
that poetry is difficult,
that it cannot be appreciated by the likes of you,
with your high school equivalency diploma,
your steel-tipped boots,
or your white-collar misunderstandings.
Do not assume meanings hidden from you:
the best poems mean what they say and say it.
Continued……
http://poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/20592

3. How to Read a Poem: Beginner's Manual
To read poetry requires only courage
enough to leap from the edge
and trust.
Treat a poem like dirt,
humus rich and heavy from the garden.
Later it will become the fat tomatoes
and golden squash piled high upon your kitchen table.
Continued……
http://poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/20592

4. How to Read a Poem: Beginner's Manual
Poetry demands surrender,
language saying what is true,
doing holy things to the ordinary.
Read just one poem a day.
Someday a book of poems may open in your hands
like a daffodil offering its cup
to the sun.
Continued……
http://poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/20592

5. How to Read a Poem: Beginner's Manual
When you can name five poets
without including Bob Dylan,
when you exceed your quota
and don't even notice,
close this manual.
Congratulations.
You can now read poetry.
http://poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/20592

6. National Poetry Month
National Poetry Month is a month-long, national celebration of
poetry established by the Academy of American Poets. The
concept is to widen the attention of individuals and the media
— to the art of poetry, to living poets, to our complex poetic
heritage, and to poetry books and journals of wide aesthetic
range and concern.

7. THANK YOU
Presentation by Neelima
http://www.slideshare.net/Neelima.A