Understanding the Basics:
* What is the poem about? What is the main idea or theme?
* What is the tone or mood of the poem? Is it joyful, sad, angry, reflective, humorous?
* Who is the speaker of the poem? Is it the poet, a fictional character, or an inanimate object?
* What is the setting of the poem? Where and when does it take place?
Looking Deeper:
* What are the key images and symbols in the poem? What do they represent?
* What are the important words and phrases in the poem? What effect do they have on the reader?
* How is the poem structured? Does it follow a traditional form, or is it more free-flowing?
* What is the poem's rhythm and rhyme scheme? How do these elements contribute to the poem's overall effect?
* What is the poem's message? What is the poet trying to convey to the reader?
* What is the poem's impact on you? How does it make you feel? What thoughts does it evoke?
Going Beyond:
* What are the poem's historical, social, or cultural contexts? How do these contexts inform the poem's meaning?
* What connections can you make between this poem and other poems, stories, or works of art?
* How does this poem relate to your own experiences and perspectives?
The best questions to ask will depend on the individual poem and your own personal interests. Don't be afraid to experiment and see what you discover!