Writing Poetry for Beginners

Posted by admin on October 29, 2008

Writing poetry, especially for beginners can be a daunting task.  Finding the right word may seem overwhelming, particularly when applying the constraints of common forms such as sonnet and haiku.

Free verse may seem like an easy way to begin, but more often than not free verse will result in a jumble of nonsense that conveys little or no meaning to those who read it.  This is certainly not true of a more accomplished poet who understands the subtle nuances of both lexicon and meter.  Often a masterful free verse poem will incorporate elements of various meters and forms which can only be achieved through a complete understanding of the more structured forms.

The beginning poet should choose a basic form, such as iambic pentameter and begin making couplets or quatrains that strive to maintain these basic forms.  Haiku is an excellent way to begin.  Focusing less on content will allow the poet to begin to master the art of finding the most appropriate word for the context.  Much like learning to play a sport or to play an instrument, this basic skill will then allow the poet to bring full force to the content that the poet wants to truly portray.

It is fairly easy to get caught up focusing on a specific topic which results in attempts to force content over context.  A great poem will balance contextual elements such as form and meter with the content.  A poem about an upbeat, driven topic would do well to choose a poem that incorporates a quick meter and avoid laborious lexicon which can stop a line dead.  A more dramatic, methodical poem may turn to a slower meter and incorporate longer words or a more advanced vocabulary.  Either method could easily be incorporated into a free verse poem, and the mixture of methods is often what makes a free verse enjoyable.

Writing poetry is one of the most enjoyable past times I have ever known, but like any other hobby it requires a degree of effort and consistent application.  Fighting in a ring or cage provides a degree of adrenaline which cannot be duplicated, but a very similar though distinct feeling can be acquired by putting together a string of words that brings a smile or tear to the face of a loved one.

Writing poetry and other works is truly a distinct experience that I recommend to anyone.

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