This is a poem that comments on itself as poetry. It's meta-poetry, in other words (poetry that talks about poetry). The speaker delves into the meaning of his own poem and the meaning of all poetry. What use is a poem to us? Why do we read poetry? What can poetry give us? These are all questions that "I Am Offering this Poem" answers. (Spoiler alert: the answers are "everything," "to be fully alive," and "everything.")
Questions About Literature and Writing
- How is the poem that the speaker offers to his beloved a "treasure"?
- What does the poem suggest about the power of writing? Why is writing, and poetry, so important?
- What's the relationship between generosity and poetry in this poem?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
The speaker feels that poetry can save our lives.
This poem proves that writing and loving are the same thing.