![]() ![]() Personally, I have a complicated relationship with this poem, and have created many parodies of it – which is exactly why I chose it. At the end he states “But don’t write poetry.” The common interpretation is: go out and live a life worth writing about before you try to write about it. “Go to Tibet / Ride a camel / Read the Bible / Dye your shoes blue / Grow a beard” etc. While maintaining a slightly cynical tone that will entertain young readers (and shatter some outdated perceptions of poetry), the narrator lists of several outrageous pieces of life advice, creating a sort of “to do list” for his readers. “Friendly Advice to A Lot of Young Men” by Chuck Bukowskiīukowski may be known for his edgy irreverence, however this carpe diem themed poem might reveal a softer side. This medium length poem is full of imagery depicting the subject’s laugh: “When you laugh it is all the unsynchronized clocks / in the watchmaker’s shop.” New readers of poetry will enjoy the satisfying challenge of interpreting the figurative language, and all readers will find themselves delighted by Glickman’s creative description.ģ. Plus it’s such a unique approach to a love poem – if you even interpret it as such. Its imagery is radically clear and unexpected. This Canadian poem is one that I originally read as a teen, and have read many times since. “Poem About Your Laugh” by Susan Glickman ![]() Other great Billy Collins poems include “ No Time” and “ Aimless Love” (one of my all time favourites).Ģ. Billy Collins is a great choice for teens his writing is easy to wrap your mind around, yet it is so often chock full of wisdom and wit. Billy Collins argues in favour of the intricate experience of reading a poem while also proving its joy. Not only is it a short poem filled with lively imagery (“I want them to waterski / across the surface of the poem”) but the subject matter is brilliant. This was the obvious first choice for me. “Introduction to Poetry” by Billy Collins ![]() Relevant subject matter. Prepare yourselves.ġ. These could be used in the classroom for analysis, in teen creative writing programs at libraries, or just as a jumping off point for readers who have yet to discover the joy of poetry.īefore selecting the poems, I asked myself: What makes a poem a good poem for teens? Although the notion of a “good poem” is a difficult one, I settled on two main requirements to maintain teen interest in poetry: 1. Henceforth, my mini anthology: Poetry That Teenagers Might Actually Love (or Poetry That Teens Might Not Hate). How can we get teens excited about poems? You just have to show them the right ones. See also: 10 Poems by Women that Teens Might Love But take one look at the grade 10 English class starting their poetry unit…and you might have doubts of your own. Poetry is the punk, badass older sister of prose. Poetry challenges the social norm, and helps people feel like they’re part of something bigger. Poetry has stood the test of time, and remains one of the most powerful, evocative forms of communication. ![]() Is poetry in danger of dying out? Not a chance. Let’s just admit it: not everyone thinks poetry is as great as we do. ![]()
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