Poetry Learning Lab

Begin in Delight, End in Wisdom

Developed for teachers, students, and learners of every age, this section of the site encourages readers of all levels to immerse themselves in poetry.

Glossary Terms

Term of the Day:
Deconstruction

A poststructuralist theory mainly based on the writings of the French ...

More Glossary Terms »

Poetry Out Loud

The Poetry Foundation and the NEA have partnered with State Arts Agencies in Poetry Out Loud, a recitation competition for students which encourages the nation's youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance.

Learn More »

Poem Guides

Thom Gunn: “From the Wave”
By Joshua Weiner
Touch, risk, trust, improvisation—“the intellect as powerhouse of love.”

Lucille Clifton: “won't you celebrate with me”
By Robin Ekiss
Lucille Clifton celebrates self-discovery in “won’t you celebrate with me.”

More Poem Guides »

Poetics Essays

Browse over 40 famous and influential essays about the art of poetry.

Browse Poetics Essays »

Poetry Magazine Discussion Guide

September 2009
This discussion guide provides suggestions and questions to get readers started exploring the September issue of Poetry. The questions provided are by no means definitive but provide context for the poems’ engagement with the themes of love, death, and selfhood.

All Discussion Guides »

Featured Poem & Resources

More Poems & Resources

Tell us what you think of the Poetry Learning Lab. Email us at mail@poetryfoundation.org.