This short and playful essay will give you the basics to write and read poetry. It does not linger on obscure considerations of theory, but rather exposes clearly the tenets of poetry through a focus on sound, versification, voice, and imagery. Here Mary Oliver has the same congenial voice she has in Upstream, and the same eye for detail that she applies to highlighting effects of style in a variety of extracts taken mostly from American poets. This is a good introduction to the art of the verse, whether you're interested in writing or reading it.