2.1 Feelings about poetry

Many adults claim to not be readers of poetry, but it is interesting that the web is awash with thriving poetry sites, and that at family or public moments of celebration (perhaps the father of the bride’s speech at a wedding) or condolence (a funeral oration) a poem is often quoted.

It is certainly true that some poetry can appear difficult, but also true that learners can acquire the skills to unlock the most challenging text – and it is undoubtedly true that much poetry is accessible. The fact that some poetry is centuries old, and written in what can appear archaic language, need not be a barrier. Just as many great paintings are centuries old – we just, as learners, have to work a little harder to understand the context in which they were produced.