The Meaning of a Poem

A poem is a piece of writing where the author is expressing themselves. It can be written in free verse or in a specific rhythm like iambic pentameter. Which ever it is, the writer is trying to get a point across. They could be telling a story about their life, love gained or lost, nature, anything you can think of! A writer could be writing because they are depressed, deeply emotional about a subject, or even just for the hell of it.

A person can make a connection with a poem that can change them or effect them emotionally. If someone reads a poem about the death of a lover or a family member, they could become emotional from the poem and connect it to their life. For me, I take poems about death very personally. If I read a poem about someone who dies or is abruptly taken from someone(in death) then I become very emotional. When I was in 8th grade my father died of a heart attack at work and I never got to say goodbye to him. When I read these poems, I know how the writer is feeling because I went through the same thing. Even though this is not a connection I would like to make, it makes me more connected to the poem and makes me appreciate it more.

Many people may not find a connection to the poem and therefore may not be able to appreciate it. I have had those poems that I read and my initial reaction is, "Okay, what was the point of that?" I do not like thinking this, but sometimes it happens. I like being able to appreciate poetry and finding the beauty in it. A poem can change a persons life, whether it be about life or death.

The Raven

Edgar Allen Poe is a great poet and short story writer. Although his writings are typically dark and dreary, he is a very popular writer. The Raven is a very popular poem that many people have read by the time they graduate high school. The raven is an animal that has many different meanings and can be misinterpreted very easily. "Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter, In there stepped a stately raven of the saintly days of yore. Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he; But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door - Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door - Perched, and sat, and nothing more." Most people view the Raven as a sign of death and destruction and often shy away from them. By the raven landing on the bust of Pallas, the Greek god of wisdom, the raven in a way is showing it's true meaning. It isn't there to frighten the man or to haunt him, but to show him he is there as a guide.

Many people interpret The Raven different and see the raven as a different meaning. In my eyes I do not see the Raven as a loathsome creature. Sure it is ugly and frightful, but it is not always a terrible creature.