How should I analyse an unseen poem?

The most important thing to do when faced with an unseen poem is to not panic; so long as you pick all you can out of the poem, you will have done what you need to do. First, read the poem through completely. Make a mental note of any lines or ideas that jump out at you as being interesting. Try and get a general overview of the plot of the poem and what it's talking about. Next, read it through again, this time looking for how the language is used. Go through and think about its form, so how many stanzas does it have? Why do you think the author has used this many, and what is the effect? Have a look at language devices, and pick out any metaphors or similes you spot that are interesting. Next, try and get a feel for the tone and mood of the poem. Is it optimistic, or is it dreary? What effect is the author trying to create, and how do they do this? Have a look for devices that are specific to poetry; is there caesura, enjambment, iambic pentameter? Why have these been used if they are present, and what point are they trying to make? Try and finish your answer with an overview of the poem to show to the examiner that you really understand it holistically, as a whole piece of text.