Poetry is an art form that is a universal human endeavor. It is a deep communication of the world around us, shared from one person to another by carefully crafted language. If you have ever felt mystified by, or unable to enjoy the significance of poetry, this book will lead you step by step to understanding and love of this branch of literature by a poet herself. The Art of Poetry is an excellent middle school or high school curriculum; it will teach the practice of reading a poem slowly and carefully, introduce students to the elements of poetry, such as imagery and metaphor, and the many forms that can make a poem, from an Ode to Open Verse. In the belief that practice is the best way to learn, this book is rich with poems from many sources, with explication, exercises, and activities. A biography of each poet is also included, along with a CD featuring a reading of many of the poems.