“The poet must not only write the poem but must scrutinize the world intensely, or anyway that part of the world he or she has taken for subject. If the poem is thin, it is likely so not because the poet does not know enough words, but because he or she has not stood long enough among the flowers–has not seen them in any fresh, exciting, and valid way.”

I read this book slowly, just a few pages at night before falling asleep. I am a complete poetry newbie so I appreciated how the author broke it down and explained even the basics – like iambic pentameter. Oliver infused beautiful poetry throughout in order to show examples of the principles she was discussing, which made the whole process even more enjoyable.

And even still – I don’t think I really understand poetry. Especially not free verse! So I suppose I’ll just keep reading, little by little, and see what makes a mark.