Do a quickwrite about what poetry means to you. Both of these poems are about poetry. As you read, compare what the two poets have to say about their craft.
1. Listen as your teacher reads “Poetry” aloud. Make notes about your initial thoughts. What is Giovanni saying about poetry? What metaphors or images does she use to express this idea? Go back and read the poem on your own. Add additional notes about the poem.
2. Read “How to Eat a Poem” on your own. Read it more than once if necessary. Make notes about the poem, what it says about poetry, and the metaphors or images Merriam uses to express her ideas.
If you are having trouble determining the poets’ ideas about poetry, try focusing on the Guided Reading Questions. They will help point you to some of the important parts of the poems. Read each question carefully. Then look at the lines near the question to find the answer.
With a partner, discuss the notes you took about the two poems. Write a paragraph, comparing and contrasting the two poets’ ideas about poetry.