The number one take away that stands out to me about this chapter comes in the first few paragraph where the author suggests that there is a crucial difference between reading and speaking poems. This is something I wholeheartedly agree with as a writer, not only for poetry. When a writer focuses on their work for a prolonged amount of time, reading it becomes difficult with glazed over eyes. Instead, it is far more helpful to read the work aloud. Doing this causes our brain to pause in a variety of areas for dramatic pause, emphasis, or even picking up on errors. Brining it back into the scope of poetry, just reading a poem can sometimes put a barrier between reading and understanding. Yes, reading the poem may tell you about the imagery and similes they use, but you don’t “feel” the poem. There could be a connection, but it is far weaker than the spark of reading aloud. When someone reads a poem aloud, the audience is able to gain another level of connection, understanding, or perspective. It also presents the poem in a whole new way. The poem’s use of punctuation and form allows for pauses and even play while reading. It is an entirely different experience. So, when we utilize tools such as meter and rhyme, one’s poetry can be elevated and transformed through the way it “sounds”.
Journal #9
