Marianne Moore writes poetry with distinct flavor. I can't say that she exactly moved me at first, but there was an intriguing voice and tone that came through as I read. I wanted to read it again. She has flair in the edgy way she presents what is seemingly mundane. I didn't know if she was making a joke or making fun of me as I read. I felt like I should be on guard.

"I, too, dislike it." What a quirky, sarcastic, and possibly clever way to begin a poem. I think that's against all of the laws of writing, but Marianne could care less. I admire that to a degree, because I'm a rule girl. I like safety.

But, It's a trick. She slyly endears the reader into what might happen if they read a poem. (even with "perfect contempt") In poetry there is a place for "the genuine." I loved that comparison. I believe genuine is better than proper when it's necessary. Genuine is a deep compliment.

The following phrases deepened the poem in a personal way. The reference to actual physical properties influenced by words was powerful and true. "Hair that can rise" I read; it's my treat at the end of the day. That doesn't mean I understand or know anything, but I feel so much from compiled words. The stories linger in my mind for days, and I think about them. I know what it is to turn the pages and have the hair on the back of my neck stand up. I've laughed out loud, cried, and left the hall light on because a fictional "monster" might jump of the page when I'm sleeping. She is sarcastically bringing us to poetry.

She calls poetry important not because of "high-sounding interpretation. I appreciate that. This is personal for me as I have stayed away from poetry, afraid of not understanding it. I'm learning that it's not hanging around for me to misinterpret. It doesn't care about me that much.
Maybe, It's there to learn from. Maybe, its a process of bits and pieces coming over years.


As I read I kept thinking I can use this poem. I'll teach High School English someday, and I'll compile this poem with my curriculum. I think it would be a great icebreaker for the students that have a mental block when you start talking poetry. They'll like the first line, and I'm hoping she can slyly show them something "genuine" in it.