This might seem obvious, but it's crucial. Here's why:
* Understanding the surface meaning: You need to grasp the basic story, characters, and events the poem describes.
* Identifying the speaker: Who is the voice speaking in the poem? Are they the poet themselves, a fictional character, or an object?
* Noticing key words and phrases: Pay attention to words that stand out, repeat, or have symbolic weight.
* Feeling the rhythm and sound: Notice the poem's rhythm, rhyme scheme, and any interesting sounds or patterns.
Once you've read the poem attentively, you can begin to delve deeper into its meaning, structure, and themes.