Reading Poetry - from a Singer's perspective

I learned a lot from the article “How to Read a Poem.” It is not about simply putting the letters together and forming audible words with one’s tongue. One must be submerged into the meaning and theme of the poems. The article explained that when reading a poem, it is good to converse with it by asking questions. Every piece of literature is a shared experience that must be told and related to in a special way. I know that studying literature is extremely important for me, because it helps me communicate the important thoughts and experiences in my life to others. Everyone wants to be heard, wants the events in their lives to amount to something. It can, but first one has to learn how to transfer the significance that he or she feels these events have.

I can relate to feeling and understanding poetry because of my singing background. I have sung many songs of other artists and it is of utmost importance to examine the song first. I ask questions like, “What did the author feel when writing this,” “What parts of this song may have had special meaning?” Understanding the song as if it were my own experience is so important, because I can’t sing about something I don’t understand or appreciate. When you mean something and you sing it, the energy that you transfer through the song is incredible. It goes beyond just the words, notes, and instruments. Singing with the heart meets the full purpose of the song. In the same way, I feel literature should be understood and communicated with the full feel of what the author wanted to express.

I enjoyed how this article made reading literature a challenge. Grasping, connecting, and having that “Ahhh” moment were particular things I appreciated in the article. Certainly, it is not the easiest practice to accomplish, but practice makes perfect. Whether or not I continue my studies beyond my BA, literature will be my ongoing educational experience. It’s a challenge and it will keep my mind sharp. I have always thought continuous learning is essential, yet I had never considered it being in the area of literature. What could be better however? As my life progresses, I will have access to the experience and lessons of others through literature. Literature is the experiences we share.