How to read a poem. A lot of books want to teach you just that. How is this one different?

Think of it less as an instructional book and more as an invitation. For the reader new to poetry, this guide will open your senses to the combined craft and magic known as poems. For the well versed, if you will, this book might make you fall in love again.

For many of us, poetry is difficult and unapproachable. Or perhaps we manage well enough, but it feels like so much work—another academic exercise to check off our lists.

If poetry requires that much effort, it certainly doesn’t feel like something to enjoy, something to curl up with by the fire (or pool).

Whatever your story, I’m going to try to trick you into becoming a better reader of poetry by having fun.

In this book, you will not answer comprehension questions or discuss literary terms directly. Rather, the focus will be to engage you with the poem. Sure, you will become intimately entwined with alliteration, enjambment, and metaphor, but for now, defining and memorizing terms is not important. We’re not going on a scavenger hunt for literary devices.

We’re first and foremost taking a journey to deepen your relationship with poems. This is not about finding answers, decoding lines, or being smart. It’s about paying attention to poems. And poems paying attention to you.

You’re invited on a journey. Will you RSVP yes?