Most of us were exposed to different bits of literature and poetry in high school or college. In too many cases, people just don't have enough experience and knowledge at such
tender ages to comprehend the works presented. Seldom does a twenty-year-old really understand the perspective of a sixty-year-old. As Les Barker put it in an interview for this book, "If you study a poem and
you don't understand it, set it aside." In five years, you might understand it better given new knowledge and experience acquired in the ensuing time. Your own poetry will grow with your experience and knowledge
as was true of those who came before you. When you are experienced enough to understand the poem, you can try to apply those lessons in your own poetry. |