Who Defines Meaning In A Poem? Poem by Terence George Craddock (Spectral Images and Images Of Light)

readers impose
meaning on poems
poets especially

more than writers
of other forms
of literature
or journalism
rely on their poems
having slightly

or even greatly
different meanings
to different readers

there is no absolute
interpretation of a poem
but rather levels
and a series
of meanings
if appropriate

the theme form
and content
may be best

expressed in tones
which not
all readers
will accept
or be
comfortable with

humour entertains
and poetry
may reflect

analyze or inform
with insight
individual tastes
differ and we
all have our favourite
poets styles themes

our unifying principle
is an endearing love
appreciation of poetry