The poems I liked the best were “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night,” by Dylan Thomas and “Sestina,” by Elizabeth Bishop. I think this is because they were both written in the form I most enjoy – meter and rhyme – and because they are from the period I best like to read from – pre-twentieth century. I just love, love, love everything pre-modern. I honestly do not care for free verse or modern poetry, however, this is not to say I cannot appreciate it and learn from it. As a poet, I think it is important to read from different genres in order to improve my own writing. Therefore, it would not be fair of me not to mention “Daystar,” by Rita Dove, and “Lady Lazarus,” by Sylvia Plath. These poems are brilliant, sassy, and fresh. I love Dove’s “voice,” and Plath writes from deep within her dark soul. I must admit that I appreciated these poems much more after having gotten to know the poets a little bit, but appreciate them I do, nonetheless. Langston Hughes’ “I, Too” also deserves some praise. I absolutely envy his positive attitude and high-spirited enthusiasm for humankind.
