Poems

Intention:

Poetry has been defined as the formulation of an experience in language chosen and ordered in ways that provoke a certain emotional reaction through meaning, sound, and rhythm. Poems are written, read, recited, memorized, and treasured by many. Powerful experiences inspire poems originally, and powerful experiences may prompt recalling certain poems subsequently.

Our favorite poems penetrate deeply into those matters that matter to us.

Here we provide some space for a selection of some of our favorite poems.

Instruction:

Write or copy poems that are meaningful to you.

You can review anthologies, collections, and your own shelves, files and journals. Everything that you consider poetry can take space here.

Feel free to incorporate related anecdotes, illustrations, and reflections.

Here we offer some guiding questions.

Inspection:

·       How do you select which poems to include in your collection?

·       In your experience, what turns a series of words into a poem?

·       In what type of situation have you been inspired by poems?

·       Do you recall understanding something, or having learned lessons from poems?

·       Do you remember writing poems as a child? In your teenage years?

·       How do your favorite poems relate to your values?

·       How are your favorite poems related to your social, cultural, religious, and spiritual affinities?

·       How do you use poems in your personal and occupational roles?

·       What or who has inspired you to create verses or poems?