2009 I
picked up a copy of
, a
collection of the best of “How Poems Work,” and I was happy to see that this anthology finally gives poetry
the attention it deserves.

The anthology covers the idea of poetry and
the aftermath: the reaction that a poem causes, which is unseen in a publication. To quote Chris Jennings, “How Poems Work’s” Editor, “
is a
philosophical question:
,
though, and you’re Marlow streaming up the river in
.” This is what makes the annual so enthralling. Each poem derives a
lengthy (albeit, sometimes too lengthy) explanation of the poet and the
specific piece in question. This, in itself, is a great understanding of
poetry. Works of art, and the interpretation, are always a fascinating read. If
you’re a poet, poetry reader, or new to poetry, this is a great way to see
poetry and the responses it can make.

As a poet, I am thoroughly enjoying this
adventure as “A budding lawyer’s take on a poem about a bitter unemployed
clown; A snarky chocolatier’s respon[ds] to a cryptic concrete poem by the
famous bp Nichol.” Because a poem has the ability to open a reader’s mind. Just
one single poem. And that is an inspiring thought for someone who pours over
poems everyday.

for free previews and a look at their
regular publication of