Every once in a while, I think I should read more poetry.
And by more, I mean some. To be honest, I’m not sure I’ve read any poetry (other than the occasional greeting card) since college. So, when I saw 100 Essential American Poems at the library, I picked it up in hopes that I would be inspired to read William Cullen Bryant’s “Thanatopsis” or “Spring” by Edna St. Vincent Millay.
Instead, the book has set on my table for six (yes, six) weeks. Practically unopened, and begging to be returned so some other library patron can enjoy it.
You see, I want to read poetry. I know I should read poetry. I’ve written plenty of poems. I just can’t get interested in reading any. Please don’t ask me why, because I really don’t know. Perhaps it’s the should that makes me reluctant…my own form of reading rebellion.
So I ask, are there any genres that you know you should explore but just can’t bring yourself to read? Feel free to answer in the comments. I won’t judge you, as long as you promise to return the favor.
Melissa has been captivated by books for as long as she can remember. She resides in Virginia and blogs at Breath of Life.
I have enjoyed reading poetry with my kids, but I don’t read it myself, and I’m not sure I feel guilty about it — so don’t sweat it!! That’s what high school English was for.
As far as genres that I know I should explore. . . . I don’t read the newspaper. I feel like I should, and as a reader, it should be a good way for me to stay up to date, but it just doesn’t interest me.
Oh, I feel like I *should* read a lot more things than the fiction and mostly parenting-related nonfiction that I do. I think I *should* read the newspaper more like Jennifer, but I figure that my weekly Time magazine fills in some gaps. I have no real desire to read poetry, even if I think it might do wonders for my vocabulary and possibly my spirit… I guess I’d say that it would do me good to read more about history, but it’s not something that I willingly gravitate toward!
I feel the same way about poetry. I’ve heard wondrous things about it, but I can never get into it.
I’m one of those people who needs to have the meaning of the symbolism shoved in my face for me to get it. So needless to say, I usually don’t get it when I’m doing personal study.
Maybe if I just forced myself to read it…
But I do enjoy Shel Silverstein
I have a hard time finding good poetry. I have written poetry but for the most part cannot read poetry. I do better reading kids’ poetry. : )
I love my mysteries.
I always want to break away from the only genre I read – realistic fiction. I always want to try fantasy, nonfiction, history, mystery, etc. But I always abandon it for another realistic fiction book I have been wanting to read. At least I’m stuck in a rut I enjoy!