For poets - read widely. And honestly, write widely, too. Don't just stick to forms of poetry you're comfortable with, because challenge helps you grow as a writer.
Though I may not be a poet with a long publication history or publication intent, I can say that by staying broad in what I read/write, I can get excited about each new poem more because I know there's a lot of variety behind my creative process. Also, I think this practice moves me towards writing works that transcend my own feelings and become (or seem to become at least) things that have a life of their own.
Tons of cowering! Plus your name in the summer programme. A custom-designed banner. A cabin at Camp Half-Blood. Two shrines. I'll even throw in a Kymopoleia action figure. — Rick Riordan, The Blood of Olympus
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