A poem can put grief, joy, or hope into words when a plain explanation feels inadequate. Read slowly and notice how its images and feelings develop.
Begin with what you notice
Read Psalm 23. What do you picture? What changes as you move through the poem? Rather than explaining every word immediately, notice how the whole piece works.
Let an image be an image
When a poem describes God as a shepherd, it invites you to think about guidance and care through a familiar picture. Ask what the comparison helps you understand about God. Give the image time to work before trying to sum it up in a definition.
Try this while you read
- Read the passage aloud, if you can.
- Mark a repeated word or image.
- Notice whether the mood changes.
- Write one question you would like to revisit.
Then read the whole poem again. You may notice something you missed the first time.
Explore the poetry and wisdom books
Meet the distinctive voices of Psalms, Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and Lamentations. Browse the collection →
Sources & further reading
A question in the margin is a good place to begin.