Perhaps the first book to give both a solid foray into the techniques of poetry, as well as explain the heart and soul of rhythm and meter, Oliver's work provided the first foundations to my study of poetry. Although sometimes explanations still took time to grasp, or felt just out of reach, I feel some of this is simply due to the fact that words read lose the inherent cadence of words said, and to understand the natural rhythm of speech and apply it in writing is an art so subtle that it is hard to relearn as an adult. All in all, a great read, and I'm very excited for future foray's into the art of poetry.