Step-by-Step to Writing Poetry (trying to, at least!)
The world is never the same once a good poem has been added to it.
— Dylan Thomas
What exactly is a good poem? Its definition is never-ending, and varies across poets, authors, and even students. One could say it’s the rhythm and rhymes that make up a poem’s melody. Another would say it’s the strong and empowering images that flood throughout each line or stanza—
What is your definition of a good poem?
Now, back to the main topic of this article! Today, I will be sharing some beginner tips on writing poetry. I am, most definitely, not a published poet but I have been taking Creative Writing classes for three years now. I guess I know my stuff (hopefully!).
To begin, writing poetry isn't as difficult as one might think but don’t be fooled! A poem is intricate in nature, with line-breaks and punctuations making big differences between lines. Don't worry, I won't touch upon these things in this article. Rather, I will be talking about inspirations, being comfortable, writing out loud, and receiving feedback.
A Muse
In my youth's years, she loved me, I am sure. The flute of seven pipes she gave in my tenure And harked to me with smile -- without speed, Along the ringing holes of the reed, I got to play with my non-artful fingers The peaceful songs of Phrygian village singers, And the important hymns, that gods to mortals bade. (…)
— Muse by Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin
Defined as ‘a person or personified force who is the source of inspiration for a creative artist’, a muse can be found anywhere. It is spontaneous, passionate, gentle or even whimsical!
You might hum an unfamiliar tune that only you have heard of once a while. Perhaps, when you were strolling along the cobblestone paths beside the River Seine in Paris, her glittering riverbanks inspired you. What about trains, and whenever they stop, new passengers hop on, while previous seat occupiers leave? It could also be the sky above, watching it brighten from midnight blue to light blue in the mornings, while it transitions into fiery orange in the evenings. There are countless ways to get your muse – your inspiration – and it comes naturally, most of the time at least!
Capitalize on Your Idea
It is a beauteous evening, calm and free, The holy time is quiet as a Nun Breathless with adoration; the broad sun Is sinking down in its tranquility; The gentleness of heaven broods o'er the Sea; Listen! the mighty Being is awake, And doth with his eternal motion make A sound like thunder—everlastingly. (…)
— It is a Beauteous Evening, Calm and Free by William Wordsworth
When you have acquired your muse, you can't just sit around and play dumb. Act on it. Write, scribble, scratch, record – whichever you prefer – those words that have now occupied your headspace. Reel them in using the lasso of your mind. Don't let any words escape you because if they do, then you would have lost an important part of your poem.
But don’t worry if you do lose those words. Take a deep breath – inhale, exhale – and regroup. Walk around your enclosed space, go outside if you have to (please, do wear a mask), or do some light stretching. Do something that makes you feel relaxed and soon enough you will be able to continue from where you left off.
Time To Write
(…) Perhaps there is an afterlife where all contributors have two workshops, a tasteful little magazine, and sexy students who worshipfully memorize their every sestina.
— My Confessional Sestina by Dana Gioia
If you managed to get past the first two steps, congratulations! You are about to enter the first of the two hardest things in poetry writing – literally the writing. I know, you might ask questions like “How do you even start writing a poem?” or “What’s my first line?”.
Here’s my advice: just write. No self-censorship, no rationalising, no holding back. Write whatever flows from your heart to the tip of your fingers. That is how you start. I definitely understand the hesitation before writing a poem, but you just have to do it.
Stop once you feel like you have written all you can. This is where you will feel a rush of emotions – joy, hesitance, fear, excitement – and it’s completely normal!
Question is: what do you do after having written your poem?
The Pain of Separation
Your absence has gone through me Like thread through a needle. Everything I do is stitched with its color.
— Separation by W. S. Merwin
Here lies the hardest part of writing a poem – the editing process.
This is where you must separate your emotional and analytical minds. Of course, I completely understand how you feel about your poem! You think you may have written the perfect poem but let me tell you, no poem is ever perfect. There’s always room for improvement.
Try to distance yourself from the poem and then observe it. Read it through the eyes of an unbiased reader, and look in between the lines – diction, rhymes, rhythm, punctuation, enjambments and many more.
You could also recite the poem aloud! Are there any lines that sounded a little wonky? Do the words complement each other in each stanza?
Listen
You are the side I seldom turn to, though we glide down the same halls every day and you confide in me as if light held an answer. (…)
— Listening by Susan Ludvigson
You made it. This is it. The final step!
Listening is not necessarily hard, but you might feel a pinch in your heart. “Why do I need to let other people read my poems?” you ask? It is because constructive criticism is crucial to producing a good poem. Different readers have different interpretations of your poem, hence being able to understand their point-of-views helps you to improve on it.
So, don't be afraid to ask people about how your poem sounds like. If you're terrified, ask your close friends about it. However, the downside to this ‘method’ is that they might try to hedge (or sugar-coat) their words in order to not hurt your feelings.
Once you're ready and all good to go, post it on Instagram, Twitter or even Wordpress! Be brave and show people what your poem finally looks like. Of course, there will be people who will not completely enjoy your poem but who cares about them?
Poetry is the spontaneous flow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility.
— William Wordsworth
I hope that you guys enjoyed this article, and I hope that it has helped to alleviate some of your reservations towards poetry writing! Poetry, and other artistic or creative forms, are all expressions of art and are not restricted by societal or cultural norms.
Spread your wings, be free and just write!
P/S: I, too, have my own personal blog. You can visit it here!