Poetry can be the most intimate and rewarding type of writing. It helps poets connect with themselves and the world around them. For some, it is a way of connecting with their feelings; for others, it may be a source of catharsis.
Looking at the ways poetry can help self-expression, it is a surprise that many people have never sat down to write a single poem. Maybe the reason for people not being able to write poetry roots from something deeper, such as their fear of not being good enough.
If you also fear writing poetry just because you have not tried yet, here are some of the best tips you need.
1. Read More Poetry
Before you pick up your pen and start engagingly expressing your feelings, you must learn more about poetry and how it is written. The best way to learn a form of art is by the artists themselves. Although you may not be able to meet your favourite poets, reading their works can be very beneficial for you.
William Wordsworth, Walt Whitman, and Emily Dickinson are just a few of several impressive poets who can teach you so much about the art of poetry and the way it can help you express yourself. However, do not limit yourself to just a few famous names.
As an aspiring poet, a part of succeeding in your quest is to keep finding new poetry collections to appreciate and learn from the unique voices around you. Reading poetry from contemporary poets can help you keep up with trends and add diversity to your writing.
2. Explore Different Poetic Forms
Poetry is more than just making the last word of every line rhyme with each other. It is an art that is not as shallow as often perceived. There are several different types of poetry you must learn about before you establish your preferences.
Sonnets, odes, elegies, and haikus are among several types of poetry, each with its unique characteristics and joys. You must learn about what makes them unique in order to discover your true passion as a poet.
As a beginner, it is always recommended that you start by writing free-verse poetry. This type of poetry is not devoid of structure but does not have hard and fast rules about rhyme scheme or musical form. Playing with this form can play a crucial role in building your poetry skills.
3. Experiment with Rhyme
Most people can agree that their first exposure to poetry is through rhyme schemes. The beloved classics such as “The Cat in the Hat” and “Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Seuss are arguably the best poems every child remembers.
Based on such memories from childhood, most blooming poets write their first poem based on simple rhyme schemes. It is doubtlessly the best way to start your journey as a poet before you explore more complex ways of writing poetry.
Being a diverse art form that extends beyond simple rhyming, different types of poetry help poets integrate and structure rhyme schemes to infuse their poetry with a rich sense of variation and depth, leading to improvement over time.
4. Discover the Power of Meter
If you have just started learning about poetry, you may have heard about meter and how it plays an essential role in determining the strength of your poetry. It is a pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in all lines of a poem.
The metre of a poem is defined by two essential elements: the number of syllables and the pattern they form. In a line of poetry, syllables come together to form metrical feet, shaping the rhythm and flow of the verse.
The meter dictates the length of every line in the poem. You can experiment with different types of metres while writing poetry to add layers to your poems and make them more rhythmic. You can learn more about a metre by reading from your favourite poets and learning from their use of this tool to stand out.
5. Edit Ruthlessly
Ruthless editing is key to boosting any form of writing, including poetry. After you have written your first poem, remind yourself that your work is not done yet. The next important step is to edit your work to bring out the best in it.
Write your poem and give yourself a well-deserved break. You can go for a walk to make yourself a cup of tea during this time. After that, you can start editing and rewriting your poem to make it more lyrical and engaging.
As a beginner, you may also want to seek the services of a poetry editor for hire. Professional poetry editors have a keen eye for detail. They can help you polish your work and achieve new heights as a brilliant poet.
6. Keep a Journal
Poetry shines the brightest when you use the power of expressing poignant imagery. Inspiration does not come with prior notice. That is why poets are always recommended to keep a journal to record their thoughts.
Whether you get inspired by the leaves dancing in the breeze or a lone flower following the sun’s rays, keeping a journal allows you to catalogue striking images and ideas that you can explore while writing poetry.
Any time you feel that you are lacking inspiration, you can head to your journal to relive the moment when you felt the urge to create your poetic masterpiece. Inspiring thoughts and images can help you create unforgettable gems.
7. Use Simple Words
You do not always need to use complex words and complicated verses to make your poems look creative. Instead, poets at the beginning of their creative journey are always recommended to take an easy start.
Sometimes, a good poem can be created by combining simple language with clear, vivid images. Instead of opening the thesaurus every time you are writing a poem, let your feelings take over. Forget about making things look complex, you can use simple language to create concise verses.
