Preview the format of the poem on pages 271–271 and read about concrete poems on page 269. Look at the photograph on page 270 and consider the title. What do you expect the poem to be about?
1. Read through the poem once, paying attention to the motion suggested by the shape of the poem. Think about how the shape and movement are related to the subject of the poem.
2. Read through the poem again, looking for words and phrases that help create a sense of motion or that set the pace of the poem.
If you have trouble following the unusual lines of the poem, listen as the poem is read aloud. Pay attention to the words and the pace of the poem. Then read along as you listen to the poem a second time. Finally, read the poem silently to yourself.
How does the organization of a concrete poem affect your understanding of the poem? Talk to a partner about this question. With your partner, write a set of reading tips for reading concrete poems.