This is a book for those who wish to learn to read poetry and to understand poetry better by writing it. I have included several examples of my own poems herein (not entirely out of vanity, but to provide examples and to remark upon my own personal experiences in writing the poems), as well as poems and excerpts by other writers. I think everyone- all of our ordinary citizens-should learn to read and write poetry, if for no other reasons than those offered several years ago by former President John F. Kennedy: When power leads man towards arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas of man"s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses. As a powerful nation, America needs poetry; this need seems quite evident in our time, as is especially illustrated by the repeated political posturing to which we have unfortunately allowed ourselves to become accustomed. (From the...