Suggestions to a Reader of Poetry Relax (alright, do your best), Shuffle off the crust of the day, Move into a quiet space – If possible, just the right temperature For your preference – With interest, expectation, curiosity, But not too much As you take a poem in hand Remember – especially if your write poetry yourself – You’re not the only one to have a good idea or Coin a pretty turn of phrase, Or more Give the voices of the poem A break: After all, they’re only human, They can be indecisive and unclear, Like you, and they mostly can’t be counted on To say exactly what they think they mean And about meaning: that’s up to you No matter what the poet says, In prose no doubt, About his poem, or hers I saw a seal this morning Lying on the rocks: Its eyes were closed, The waters of the harbour rippled up and down, The seagulls squawked, kids squealed, At a distance The animal, so sleek, was breathing quietly I knew it felt The waters and the gulls, The tremors of the air and earth It was a long way from its haunts, Alone, So I concluded it had swum here On a whim Languid and alert it let The music of its respite sound Before the plunge and journey home Or maybe to some other destination Aware of danger, nourishment, And joy ________________________________________________________________________ Emanuel E. García, 2014 ![]()
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