Poetry Writing

Poems to me are the use of language of ideas, feelings, and emotion compressed and expressed in a shorter but powerful art form. These ideas, emotions, and experiences resonate deeply with the reader and the writer. I am newer to the craft as opposed to established writers and poets. Here are some tips and tricks for crafting poetry.

For me, inspiration is my first step: Poetry for me is a fleeting moment of time, a profound experience, a deeply touching memory, or even a simple object inspires you. Not all poetry has to be mind blowing and "deep." The fun poems of lighthearted play and even mundane in topic can inspire us to write.

This is where English teachers roll their eyes. Don't let grammar rules be a confining or limiting construction. Play with your language. Experiment with different words and even their sounds. Establish a rhythm to create fun and playful poetry.

When writing different topics or themes, I try to experiment with different styles. We can pick from traditional styles like haikus and sonnets to experimental and free verse. Find a style that works for you or that you like.

One great mastery of poetry is its ability to show versus telling. Instead of stating emotions or ideas, we can have the reader experience vivid imagery, symbolism, and metaphors to convey our messages. Have the readers interpret your words in their own way which isn't cryptic or confusing. Invite them to become an active participant in your poem, which is based upon a small snippet of life experience or memories and sensations.

Revisions to poems are a must. I feel that I can set a poem down and reread it a day or a month or even a year later and find revisions that would improve my poetry. I have a couple books that I will mark up and adjust right in the pages that I will want to revise down the road.

Open yourself up to vulnerability, after all this is a human experience and giving a raw and authentic word crafted masterpiece requires vulnerability.

In the end, writing poetry can be a fun journey of self-discovery and exploration. Keep writing and find those moments of beauty and clarity or confusion and chaos. Whether you're a seasoned poet and writer, or just starting out, remember to embrace the process. Happy writing!