"I tend to like poems that engage me - that is to say, which do not bore me"

In this quote, Mark Strand reveals his preference for poems that catch his attention and keep him interested. He explains that he takes pleasure in poems that actively engage him, instead of ones that leave him feeling withdrawn or disengaged. This suggests that he values poems that are thought-provoking, mentally impactful, or intellectually promoting. By mentioning that he does not like poems that bore him, Strand indicates that he looks for poetry that is dynamic and engaging, instead of dull or unexciting. This quote highlights the importance of actively engaging the reader in poetry, and recommends that for Strand, an effective poem is one that can hold his attention and keep him mesmerized.