Question for all poets out there.?

Question:I'm getting closer every day to publishing a poetry book. I would like to know your opinion on if I should put the meaning with the poem or not. (my mines).

Thanks for the help,
Silent

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I'm getting closer every day to publishing a poetry book. I would like to know your opinion on if I should put the meaning with the poem or not. (my mines).

Thanks for the help,
Silent

I believe the closest thing you should do to interpreting your own poems is to give them a meaningful, illuminating title. Then leave the rest up to the imagination of the reader, who doesn't necessarily need to interpret your poem as you wrote it to get enjoyment, enlightenment and inspiration from it. Good luck on your poetry book.

i think half the fun of reading poems is in interpreting the meaning. also, different people react differently to the same poem. maybe instead of including the meaning, why not include a short note on the story behind the poem, like what inspired you to write it. i know i would enjoy reading a poetry book like that.

congratulations on your impending publication!

The most wonderful thing about poetry is it can mean so many different thing to so many different people. When I write poetry for myself, other people read it and it applies to their lives as well. So I would say no. Allow the reader to take thier own meaning from your words. Good luck with the book : ).

I wouldn't put My interpretation of my poems in a book, that might ruin it for someone else. The self discovery process is different for everyone and the meaning behind things is very subjective.