How to read a poem

Awe and wonder feature in How to Read a Poem this month.

How to read a poem: verses that speak to the light and the dark of life

Two very different, but equally entrancing, poems to enrich your day.

By Claire Mabey | 26th March, 2026

Sparrows feature heavily in this new poem from over under fed by Amy Marguerite

How to read a poem: mount street cemetery by Amy Marguerite

A close reading of a startling poem about the impact of an intense crush, set in a graveyard and plagued by sparrows.

By Claire Mabey | 26th February, 2025

Richard von Sturmer’s 10th collection of writings

How to read a poem: selections from Slender Volumes by Richard von Sturmer

A close read of three seven-lines poems by Zen teacher Richard von Sturmer.

By Claire Mabey | 23rd November, 2024

The Chills’ EP Rolling Moon came out in 1982.

How to read a poem: Rolling Moon by The Chills

A close read of the late, great Martin Phillipps’ lyrics.

By Claire Mabey | 10th August, 2024

Gifed up Goya.

How to read a poem: Faith has made me whole by Vincent O’Sullivan

A poem about witches from the late, great Aotearoa writer.

By Claire Mabey | 20th July, 2024

Poet Sam Hunt and poetry appreciator Ioan Holsted

The Ministry of Education boss sent all staff a Sam Hunt poem – what could it mean?

With mass redundancies and union retaliation, there's lots happening at the ministry. And now this.

By Claire Mabey | 19th June, 2024

Houseplant pals (Image: Tina Tiller)

How to read a poem: Houseplants by Megan Kitching

A poem that'll make you look at your houseplants in a whole new light.

By Claire Mabey | 14th June, 2024

Katūīvei: Contemporary Pasifika poetry from Aotearoa New Zealand (Image: Claire Mabey)

How to read a poem: All day on Ma’uke by Rob Hack

To celebrate the launch of a new anthology of Pasifika poetry from Aotearoa, Vaughan Rapatahana reads a beautiful and poignant poem about a remote Pacific Island.

By Vaughan Rapatahana | 21st April, 2024

Image: Tina Tiller

How to read a poem: For a Five-Year-Old by Fleur Adcock

A short poem about not squashing snails? Or a gripping insight into the hypocrisy of parenting?

By Claire Mabey | 25th February, 2024

The Waterfall at Lysaker by Jacob Calmeyer; Additional design: Archi Banal

How to read a poem: Waterfall by Lauris Edmond

How does a poem about a waterfall tell us so much about time, and love and relationships?

By Claire Mabey | 21st January, 2024