From the point of view of generating ideas, finding themes, etc, I would strongly recommend these books.
Poetry Writing -Theme and Variations
By David Starkey.
50 published poems, with analysis and examples of student poems on the same themes, and exercises.
In The Palm Of Your Hand - the Poet's Portable Workshop
By Steve Kowit.
Deals with music and metaphor, experiment and tradition, perennial themes etc.
The Practice of Poetry - Writing Exercises From Poets Who Teach.
By Robin Behn & Chase Twichell
Dozens of exercises, ways of getting started or generating an idea, each one by a different poet/teacher and using widely differing approaches.
[This message has been edited by oliver murray (edited October 31, 2002).]
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