Advice on how to enhance your enjoyment of reading poetry, Part 1

Regarding my enjoyment of reading poetry, I've always followed Jacques Derrida's advice that il n'y a pas de hors-texte.

You're probably thinking, I'm glad you can speak French Giuseppe, but what does this mean in anglais, s'il vous plait? Simple: there is nothing outside the text or [in our case] the poem to consider.

Roland Barthes [to paraphrase him] was correct in his assertion that to assign a poem an author is to impose limitations on that verse; however, what it took Barthes over 200-pages in his book The Death of the Author to argue, Derrida summed it up with those six beautiful French words I shared with you earlier.

I will not toss around terms like deconstructuralist because this is not a seminar on Literary Theory & Criticism. You can breathe now! Besides, the message is simple: focus on reading the poem independently.

And yes, your high school English teacher was wrong to ask you that traumatizing question: what does the poem mean? I want you to know that whatever answer you might have given or terrible grade received: I absolve you from all blame in the name of Shakespeare, Robert Burns, and William Wordsworth. Amen!

Educators worldwide must remember the difference between educo [to bring out from within] and intro [to enthrall or introduce] knowledge when approaching poetry. This will help prevent millions of young, potentially poetry-loving individuals from developing a dislike for the craft.

The question posed in classrooms everywhere should have always been: what does the poem mean to you and why? It's a beautiful double question with no right or wrong answer. Plus, it allows the student [or the reader] to bring out from within a meaning that speaks directly to their truths and reality. It's all about empowering the reader!

All I am saying is to give poetry and readers a chance they deserve. Even Lord Byron's poetic voice realized that the soul wears out the breast, / And the heart must pause to breathe. Give yourself that inner pause and, if possible, a coffee to go along with it; however, if, despite all I've said, you still want to continue with the tedious approach of measuring out meaning with coffee spoons: that's on you!

I hope this piece inspires you to pick up a poetry book and, through its wisdom, continue to be the beautiful person you've always been. Remember that academic pursuits are both noble and necessary causes; however, as a poem by Cummings pointed out: kisses are a better fate / than wisdom. Let the wisdom within you be your guide.