So far, I have learnt three not-so-demanding poems: William Carlos Williams' "The Red Wheelbarrow," Margaret Atwood's "This Is a Photograph of me," and Thomas Sterns Eliot's "Preludes". We read Atwood's poetry at college, and it's been quite a joy to try to memorise the poem. Such a wonderful contrast; sedate words and quite an unfathomable strength coming out of that poem. I will give it a try about posting updates on the poems and how they affect me.
It would be quite an honour to read your poems, because writing/reading poems is as you say a moving and powerful experience, and it gets much better when you share it with others. Also, I will definitely give it a try and read J. Gilbert's work, because, honestly, this is the first time I've heard of him. Thanks for the recommendation. Warmest regards.
I will now have to check those poems out! I find it fascinating how poems can achieve such strength. I look forward to reading your updates. I do not wish to pressure you at all. Pressure obscures the true self-evaluations such as the updates you might write regarding how memorizing the poems affect you. So update on your own terms! Yes, I agree with you how reading and writing only helps us get better. In fact, I have posted a poem on this website very recently. I wrote it when I was an undergrad while taking a poetry course. I must admit, it is the only poetry class I have ever taken. I am by no means highly educated in the world of poetry--only by what I have read and observed on my own and of course by what I have learned in the only poetry class I've taken. As of now, one other person seems to have enjoyed it. I appreciate any feedback! Jack Gilbert is who we focused on in that class I mentioned. I am very much inspired by him and I have a feeling you will definitely enjoy his work. Until then, cheers!
I find Robert Frost excellent for memorization.
Some say the world will end in fire
Some say in Ice
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire
But if it had to parish twice
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice
I have three of Frost's on my list: The Oven Bird, Design, and the Road Not Taken. Plus, I have all of his poetry just for my personal pleasure at home.