How To Write Poetry for Absolute Beginners

Poetry—I’ve become quite intrigued by poetry these past few years. And that’s quite new to me. I enjoy the layers of symbolism and themes that come from poems. So, I’ve decided to finally look into how to write poetry, learn more about the craft, and share what I’ve found with you.

I’ve found poetry to be an excellent tool for creative writers and authors. The shortness of poems allows authors to add to their portfolio quickly. Not only that, but poetry also stretches your writing muscles by forcing you to write in a new way.

So, I want to share with you the basics of poetry, how and where to find inspiration, and how you can share your poetry.

How to Write Poetry

Understanding the Basics

To start anything, you must understand the basics—learning how to write poetry is no different. There are many different elements that make poetry what it is, and though you don’t need to use them all, it’s important to learn what they are and why they matter.

Key Elements

Imagery

When you read anything, your mind begins to picture the words you read. The more descriptive the words, the easier they will be to picture and the more detailed they will be. Using words that evoke imagery includes using vivid and descriptive language that appeals to the senses.

Metaphor

I’m sure you learned in school that much of poetry includes metaphors. Metaphors compare two things directly, while similes use “like” or “as”. The girl was a fireball. Our dog was like a bullet.

Rhythm

Rhythm adds variety and interest to poems, though it is not required. Rhyme, alliteration, and rhythm can all be used to enhance a poem.

Tone

The tone and mood of a poem are essential elements that influence how the reader responds, reacts, and reads your work. The tone you create sort of ‘sets the vibe’ for the reader.

Poetic Forms

Poems come in all different shapes and sizes. You can create something completely unique or you can mimic the structure of sonnets or haikus. Some of the most common poetic forms include:

• free verse: can be structured however you want (no rules!)
• haiku: a form from Japan that includes strict rules on lines and syllables
• limerick: a short form of poetry that is five lines and has certain rules regarding length and rhyme
• sonnet: one of the oldest forms of poetry with rules on length and rhyme

Of course, there are many other forms of poetry, and I encourage you to try as many as you can.

Finding Inspiration

Finding inspiration for writing can be difficult—and poetry is no different. But, luckily, there are many places to look for inspiration. And, though inspiration can come from anywhere, there are some key places to look when you need more. Here are some of my favorite places to find writing inspiration.

• People Watch: Draw inspiration from the world around you.
• Dreams: Some of my best story ideas came from dreams (if you have trouble remembering them, try to spend a few minutes after you wake up to record your dream).
• Shower Thoughts/Random Ideas: We have so many ideas and thoughts in passing. Sometimes we brush off smaller ideas, but these ideas could grow. Try keeping a notepad or place on your phone to jot down random thoughts and ideas.
• Memories: Moments from your life are sometimes the best inspiration.
• Writing Prompts: These can lead to some interesting and unique stories.
• Pictures: I love looking at pictures on Pinterest for ideas and inspiration. I even created some blog posts for this purpose.
• Social Media: Again, Pinterest! But, Instagram, YouTube, any social media can all lead to inspiration.

Sharing your Writing

When it comes to sharing your poetry—well, it can be daunting, to say the least. And, not only is it scary, it can also be challenging to get your poems seen. There are many different ways to share your poems so it’s important to first understand your goals.

If your goal is to be a published poet, you may want to focus on entering writing contests and growing an audience through social media. If your goal is to simply share your poetry, focusing solely on social media may be better.

I have some posts that cover this topic in more detail, but here are some of my favorites:

• Utilize Social Media: A must for any aspiring writer/poet/author. The best way to grow an audience who enjoys your writing is to build an audience on social media.
• Writing Contests: Contests are excellent ways to become established poets. Some require entry fees, some don’t, and some are scams. Here’s some information about that:
  • Avoid Scams: Writer Beware & Contests and Awards

Conclusion

Poetry is a beautiful form of writing that challenges our brains to read between the lines. Poems can be wildly different lengths—different shapes even—and they contain so much knowledge. The poems that have been passed down through centuries contain vast amounts of information about the people, places, and events of the past.

I hope you have a better understanding of writing poetry after reading this post.

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