THE PROBLEM WITH POETRY

In his poem "Introduction to Poetry," Billy Collins writes

"I want them to waterski
across the surface of a poem
waving at the author's name on the shore.

But all they want to do
is tie the poem to a chair with rope
and torture a confession out of it."

I assume Collins is talking about the reader, here... but who reads poetry but other poets? Today, examine some of your own writing to determine whether you're trying too hard to achieve some purpose. Instead of trying to force an idea or viewpoint on the reader, simply invite the reader in, offer her a cup of tea. Let the conversation evolve as it will.