The Evolution of My Relationship with Poetry

Abstract

Poetry often feels like an enigma – a form of expression that seems both profound and
elusive, something that requires an expert’s eye to decode. When I first encountered poetry, I was
introduced to the formal, and often serious language of Shakespeare. His sonnets were filled with
complex metaphors and intricate structures that made them feel distant and hard to approach. I
believed that poetry was something that required deep analysis to understand, and at times, it felt
like a chore. The elevated language and lofty themes left me feeling removed from the essence of
the poems. It seemed as though there was a barrier between me and the art form that I could
never quite break through. However, everything changed when I read The “Raven” by Edgar
Allan Poe. The sound and rhythm of the poem were beautiful, and it was far easier to follow than
Shakespeare's works. I was captivated by the simplicity and musicality of Poe’s writing, and it
made me realize that poetry could be more than just dense, serious language containing hidden
meanings. My relationship with poetry has truly evolved: from struggling with Shakespeare to
appreciating the humor and playfulness of poets like Harryette Mullen, whose “Dim Lady”
brings a humorous twist to the traditional love poem.