Apr
8
2009
Why memorize poetry?
Mostly for the fun of it. In the NY Times Book Review, Jim Holt shares how he fell into the habit. As Holt observes, “it’s all about pleasure.” Holt goes on to dispel some of the myths attached to the practice:
- Myth No. 1: Poetry is painful to memorize. It is not at all painful. Just do a line or two a day.
- Myth No. 2: There isn’t enough room in your memory to store a lot of poetry. Bad analogy. Memory is a muscle, not a quart jar.
- Myth No. 3: Everyone needs an iPod. You do not need an iPod. Memorize poetry instead.
The essay piqued my interest and I’ve made it a point to try really hard, to make the time, to one of these days give it a go.
