Reading Poetry Slowly

A poem sometimes invites us to notice something that ordinary language cannot quite express.

A few words or an image may stay with us long after we have finished reading.

We do not always need to understand a poem to receive something from it. Sometimes its meaning becomes clearer when we stop trying to explain it.

Reading poetry slowly offers an opportunity to listen, notice, and remain with whatever draws our attention.

A small practice

Choose a short poem that interests you.

Find a quiet place and read it slowly, without trying to interpret its meaning.

Pause for a little while in silence.

Read the poem again.

Notice whether a word, phrase, or image draws your attention.

There is no need to decide why.

Remain quietly with whatever has stayed with you.

If you wish, read the poem once more.

Then put it aside.

Allow a little silence before returning to your day.

Sometimes a few words are enough to help us notice something we had not recognized before.