How do poets utilize literary devices and conventions to develop themes in their poetry? I don't understand how to read a poem so I understand what it is really saying either?

Answer 1

These sites will help you on literary devices:
http://www.tnellen.com/cybereng/lit_terms/

http://www.uncp.edu/home/canada/work/allam/general/glossary.htm

http://mrbraiman.home.att.net/lit.htm

This site discusses the purpose of using literary devices in poetry:

http://volweb.utk.edu/school/bedford/harrisms/spotlight.htm

http://www.edu.pe.ca/Donagh/grassroots_homepage/poetry/secrets/litera.htm