Poetry
1.) What was the one moment in the class that might have been an ah-ha moment? Something you discovered that really resonated with you?
One moment in class that was most interesting to me is the time were discussing different elements of poetry. This was an enjoyable moment because I was able to gain valuable information that helped me to analyze poems. Initially, I was reading a poem without understanding the various devices used by the author. However, this moment broadened my knowledge about poetry.
2.) Do you consider yourself a “reader of poetry?” Were you already reading poetry? Will you be more inclined to read poetry in the future?
Currently, I consider myself a reader of poetry. Before joining this program, I used to read poetry but not as frequently as I do today. This was because I could not understand the message and theme contained in most of the poems I read. I was not able to analyze poetry effectively, and I always found poetry hard. I believe I will continue being inclined to read poetry forever.
3.) What might be something you read in this class that you will remember 5 years from now?
Something I have read in this class that I will be able to remember five years from now is the difference between enjambment and end-stopped line. The end-stopped line is a metrical line that ends at a grammatical break or boundary with punctuation. Enjambment is the running over of a phrase or sentence from one line to another, without end or terminal punctuation.
4.) Which poet did you find you most connected with? Was it their work? Their personal biography?
The poet I find myself most connected with is Patricia Smith. Most of her poems are concerned about urban regions of Detroit and Chicago. She often discusses the themes of personal narrative, a cultural journey, and first love. Patricia is also an American poet, playwright, spoken-word performer, and author.
5.) Which poet or group of poems did you find the least interesting? What do you think it was that didn’t “click” for you?
The poet that I found least interesting is Yusef Komunyakaa. Although he has managed to write good poems, the main themes covered in the poems are not interesting to me. He often focuses on the Vietnam War. Komunyakaa also examines the experience of the war rather than the causes of the war.