The Study Of Poetry

Ever since I was a child, a small child, I have enjoyed reading poetry and composing, sometimes poorly, sometimes with talent, poetry.

I mainly read children poems, but not always. My first copy of Anne of Green Gables introduced me to classic Poetry-The Lady of the Lake, and so forth. But I didn't just read the poetry because I am an Anne fan. No.
The "Lady of Shalott" has become a favorite poem, a piece of literature I enjoy reciting more than reading a chapter from Green Gables.
I must admit, I am not a King Arther Fan, like one would think. But the exception has always been the Lady of Shallot. In Bulfinches Mythology (which my mom had me read for homeschool) I was excited to read the legend about the Lady of Shalott. But sadly it had nothing about a magic web and cracking mirror. I later found out that the author of my beloved poem, Tennyson, made a lot of the tale up. But now, we associate his poem with the legend. I half wish Tennyson could have been there to write the legend, obviously with more imagination than the originally author! There has been speculation that Tennyson based his poem on other works and fables that had been written in other languages before his time. But Tennyson denied that, saying he did not read the works until a later date after his poem was written..
I have come to the conclusion though, that my Lady of Shalott, the one living in my head, has the first name "Elaine" from one of the old stories. It seems mysterious Tennyson did not give her a name. But she has been in my heart ever since I was a child, and in a way, I need to have a close and personal, first name. Not a title.

She also (In my mind) met Sir Lancelot as a youth, and it was not until he left that she
"She (has) heard the whispered say
a curse is on her if she stayed
to look down upon Camelot."
I have also imagined that she wears pearls in her hair after I read Tennyson's originally poem, authored many years before he refined the one we usually read today.
(1833

"A pearl garland winds her head: She leaneth on a velvet bed, Full royally apparelled, The Lady of Shalott"

To end my ramblings on my favorite poem, I want to share the song by Loreena Mckennitt, who sings the poem with such talent.
VIDEO
The painting during the movie isn't my favorite, as it is a little scary- I prefer the classic paintings.
But I like this version, since it is the entire song, and it has the lyrics.
Please enjoy!
What is your favorite piece of poetry?

Thanks
Lexi