How to Read Love Poems by Maya Angelou With Your Spouse
Poets know the power of words. If strung together successfully, a sequence of words not only can captivate your thoughts but also elicit strong emotions. A poet's success can be measured by how audiences embrace the words and marvel at each verse. Couples who want to use the writings of a talented poet, such as Maya Angelou, to express their devotion, admiration and love to each other need to speak sincerely and slowly and let the artist's words do the rest of the work.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Select which of Maya Angelou's poems each of you would like to read. Options include "Touched by an Angel," "Remembrance," "Passing Time" and "Phenomenal Woman." Allow a day or two to familiarize yourself with the poems. Practice reading your assigned poems alone so you feel comfortable with the vocabulary and the flow of the verses. Play around with emphasizing certain words. Adjust your volume and tone to set the mood.
-
2
Choose a day and time when you'll read to each other. Find a quiet place either indoors or outdoors. Sit in close proximity so parts of your bodies can touch. If desired, light some candles to create a romantic setting. If you have children, wait until they fall asleep so you have uninterrupted time together.
-
-
3
Read slowly to allow your partner to contemplate each word. Remember to breathe naturally at the end of each line or at punctuation marks. Discuss how the poem captures your feelings for your spouse or how it describes your relationship. After reading your one or two assigned poems, allow your partner to read.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
After you and your spouse finish reading your assigned poems, remain in close proximity so you can continue talking, be intimate or simply look at each other.
Allow your spouse to read the poem in any manner that she'd like. Reading poetry can make a person feel vulnerable, so the last thing you want to do is critique your spouse's reading skills or point out any mispronunciations. Offer silent support to your spouse as she reads by listening intently and placing your hand on her shoulder, back, arm or leg.
References
- PoemHunter.com; "Phenomenal Woman;" Maya Angelou
- PoemHunter.com; "Touched by an Angel;" Maya Angelou
- PoemHunter.com; Poems; Maya Angelou
- Write-Out-Loud.com; How to Read Poetry Aloud
- Write-Out-Loud.com; Quick Easy Effective Tips for Vocal Variety
- Hints and Things; Romantic Decorating Using Candlelight; Veronica Smith
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
