Understanding Poetry

UNDERSTANDING POETRY A poem is more, Than rhythm and rhyme. The words must have balance, With tempo and time. Free Verse is like that, The words have a blend, That helps it to flow, From beginning to end; Sometimes like honey, From a sweet honey tree, Sometimes like a river, As it flows to the sea; But there's always a message, Or a story that's told. The words can be sweet, Or compelling and bold. A poet's an artist, Painting pictures with words, Bringing out music, Your ears haven't heard; A music that comes, From down deep in your soul. It makes one feel free, It makes one feel whole, To be able to write, Words that reach out and touch, Something special inside you, And bringing out much, Of the feelings inside you, That we often hide, Often revealing things, So deep inside, Even you did not know, Were hiding in there, But the words shine a light, On beliefs and on cares; So when you read a poem, Don't just read words on paper. You must feel them and taste them, For words have a flavor. Sometimes it's bitter, And sometimes it's sweet, But if you taste it, It's always a treat; For a poet shows more, Than the stories he's told. When he shows you his poems, He shows you his soul. Judy Ball (Tread lightly and don't kill the messenger)