…a poetry discussion, with a friend. The discussion was intended to provide material to think about while avoiding news—and it has worked. I remain blissfully semi-ignorant of the train wreck occurring in Washington.
However, it’s now time for said friend to move on to self-study and for me to find a new diversion.

Here’s part of my email:
Now might be the time for us to get back to my list of worthy poetry. Great Poetry

I think the list is worthwhile in that (to use a metaphor) rather than having to hack through thickets of variegated verse, a person with interest in poetry can sashay right into a well-tended garden. Of course, there is much great work not included in the list, but the list is a good place to start.

So, I would suggest working through as much of the list as you find enjoyable, sending me comments and questions, if you have any, as you go. At the back of your mind keep active these two questions—what is poetry, and what is good poetry? As you move through the poems use inductive reasoning to assemble a definition, and when you feel ready send it to me. (Let me know if you can’t find and download any of the poems.)

Don’t let the internet do the research and thinking for you. Save the discoveries for yourself. (Does this advice sound like "Ithaka"?) There are, however, two wonderful books you could turn to if you want to dig really deep: How Does A Poem Mean, by John Ciardi, and Sound And Sense, an Intro to Poetry, Laurence Perrine.

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Come, my friends,
'T is not too late to seek a newer world.
Push off, and sitting well in order smite
The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds
To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths
Of all the western stars, until I die.
It may be that the gulfs will wash us down:
It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles,
And see the great Achilles, whom we knew.
Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.