If you’re a beginner looking to dive into the world of poetry, there’s no better time than now. Poetry has been a means of expressing emotions, experiences, and ideas for centuries. People all over the world can enjoy poetry because there’s a poem out there for everyone, regardless of age, background, or experience. Reading poetry might feel a little daunting at first, but once you get started, you’ll discover that you love it!

There’s no “right” way to read poetry, anyway. It is simply meant to be enjoyed (and it might even help you see the world in a new light). Listed below are some tips to help you get started with reading poems:

Start with Simple Poems

As a beginner, it’s best to start with simple poems that are easy to understand. Classic poems like “Mary Had a Little Lamb” or “The Owl and the Pussycat” are great starting points. They have a clear rhythm, rhyme, and narrative structure, which can help you understand the basics of poetry. You can also start by listening to poems, or watching poets perform on Youtube. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with poetry before you start reading it yourself.

Read Poems Out Loud

Poems are meant to be read out loud, so don’t be afraid to do so. Reading poems out loud will help you understand the rhythm, rhyme, and pace of the poem better. We’re often required to memorize and recite poetry while in school. Feel free to recite your favorite poem for your friends during game night or sign up for an open-mic night at your local hip coffee shop.

Explore Different Genres of Poetry

Poetry comes in many different forms and styles, from sonnets and haikus to free verse and slam poetry. Experiment with different genres to find what you like best. If it helps, haikus and limericks are on the shorter side, so if you’re just getting into poetry, that may be a good place to start. The realm of poetry stretches far and wide. Songs, especially rap songs are poetry too! The versatility of poetry is a big part of why people love and relate to it so much.

Find a Community

There are many online communities dedicated to poetry and poets. Joining one of these communities will give you access to new poems, discussions, and feedback from other poetry lovers. You can also join a poetry club, or even start one with your friends. This will create a space where you and other poetry lovers can read and celebrate poetry while also enjoying each other’s company.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

If you’re struggling to understand a poem, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many resources available online and in libraries that can help you better understand poetry. If you like, you can even sign up for a beginner’s poetry class. Many poetry classes are being offered online and in person, especially if you live near a college campus.