Short Guide to reading poetry

For any poem that you read, first do the following:
a. check key word meanings, especially unfamiliar ones or ones whose use in the poem is unfamiliar. Consider nouns and active verbs, especially
b. List key images and try to create clusters of these if they occur.
c. Paraphrase the poem. (Rewrite all its ideas in your own words).
d. Try to decide its theme, that is, its major message(s).

Images are words that appeal to the senses:

Sight: the shiny, red apple

Smell: the stench of sulfur

Hearing: the buzzing of the bee

Touch: fiery heat

Taste: sweet as honey