Often, our understanding of poetry is limited to what we learnt in school. But the truth is far from it. Poetry has evolved beyond poems like Daffodils by Wordsworth, and has changed in many ways, making it more approachable for beginners.
You can find many poems which follow a style of their own nowadays. For example, poets like Rupi Kaur or Aranya Johar write poetry which turns away from the more ‘classical’ ways of writing it. This article will look at some points that can help you understand how to write a poem in English.
In this article, we will look at:
- Rules to follow if you want to write good poetry
- Explore how to write a poem for beginners
- Some tips on how to write a poem
- What to write a poem about
Rules To Follow If You Want To Write Poetry
There are several kinds of poetry, but that doesn’t mean you have to compose one of them or adhere to all of the rules that apply to it. Writing poetry is only one part of what it takes to be a poet. Your poetry will improve and progress by incorporating some of these guidelines into your daily activities.
Read more poems
Although it may seem obvious, you might be startled to hear that not many poets READ a lot of poetry. It’s a fantastic way to get inspiration when writer’s block eventually rears its ugly head. If you want to move away from traditional poets and read what people nowadays are writing, look no further. Explore Youth Ki Awaaz’s ‘Poetry’ category.
Attend poetry events happening online or offline
Your literary style can be developed and refined in creative environments. Therefore, we strongly advise you to participate in your community’s creative events. This includes attending poetry readings, becoming a member of a writers’ or readers’ group in your community, and maybe even sharing and refining your writing in a workshop.
If you cannot find events happening around you, a fantastic way to connect with more poets is to follow the Poetry category on Youth Ki Awaaz! You can find many poets on this platform that you can follow and connect with by commenting on their poems. Honest and constructive peer-to-peer feedback can take you further in your quest to become a poet.
How To Write A Poem For Beginners
Despite its difficulties, writing poetry is a tremendously rewarding creative outlet. Knowing how to create a poem in a unique yet relatable style is challenging. But with time, even a beginner can become a pro at writing poetry.
Find your niche:
Any project starts with identifying your niche. This is particularly true in poetry. Every poem adopts a particular form or structure, which aids in defining its form, rhythm, and sometimes even content.
There are many different forms available, and each has its own laws. A lyrical poem, like those by Robert Frost, has a significantly different form than those of Vikram Seth’s narrative poems, for instance.
Be relevant while writing your poetry:
Shakespeare’s sonnets may have been the ‘IT’ thing back in the 1700s but may be at a loss of audience today. Although some romantic poets’ works are still regarded as among the greatest, they are now outdated.
Even though you shouldn’t restrict your originality, it’s a good idea to become familiar with modern poetry writing techniques. This not only helps you connect to your readers better but also improves the readability of your poem.
Take baby steps:
Starting small might be considerably less intimidating for beginners. A shorter poem is an excellent approach to spark your imagination and get comfortable with the poetry genre. You don’t need to compose a lengthy poem to create something significant.
Here are some rhyme schemes that you can use to start writing your poem:
- Alternate rhyme: Following the pattern ABAB for each stanza, the first and third lines rhyme at the end, while the second and fourth lines rhyme at the conclusion.
- Coupled rhyme: A two-line stanza with a linked rhyme is one that rhymes using the rhyme pattern AA BB CC or a related dual rhyming pattern. Rhyming couplets are the name given to the rhymes themselves.
- Triplet: A triplet is a group of three lines in a stanza (also known as a tercet) with the same final rhyme.
Remember, it is also completely alright for you to write poems without any rhyming. Free verse, sometimes referred to as poetry without rhyme, can have several formats. You can just write down whatever comes to you naturally without thinking too much about them rhyming.
Tips On How To Write A Poem
Poetry is not an impossible type of writing, although it could seem that way when you’re a beginner. But these tips can help you get started.
Editing can wait:
Editing when writing is the number one thing that destroys creativity. First drafts are all about putting creative thoughts down on paper. Therefore they may (and frequently should) be full of errors, ramblings, and writing that doesn’t even make sense.
The editing process might stifle the creative process because it is a more technical aspect of writing. Don’t think of how imperfect it is or how you can’t quite find the correct term or description. Just start writing. Editing and honing will follow.
Recite your poetry:
When you read aloud, you can hear how the words blend, something you might not hear or notice when you read quietly. This can help you determine whether your word choice is practical, whether your sensory elements are making their intended impact, and whether your story and message are being understood as you had meant. In addition, this enables you to hear your poems from the reader’s perspective.
Try to express your feelings by writing:
Poetry is renowned for being profound, intellectual, and interpretive. Even the most straightforward poems may evoke powerful feelings when written with emotion. The feeling should be natural. Listen to what your emotions are telling you, and present a story. This will elevate the poem and give it the required depth.
What To Write A Poem About
Countless subjects may be used to create excellent poetry. For example, you can choose to write a poem on nature if that is what you connect with. Or you can choose to write a love poem. This is your time to unleash your creativity. Inspiration may come to us in a variety of forms. When attempting to develop your poetic voice, push yourself beyond your comfort zone.
Though many people desire to compose poetry, they are unsure where to begin. This process can help:
- Utilise what you currently know when you begin to write poetry. It is significantly simpler to begin a poem using this method.
- Pay attention to and be present in your environment. What can you see, feel, and smell?
- Use your senses to come up with ideas for poetry.
If you need a gentle nudge to get yourself started, you can follow these poetry writing prompts:
- In an ideal world, what would you do when you wake up?
- Say something to your best friend.
- What do you love about yourself?
- Write a love letter to your favourite season
Your poetry can discuss any topic, including a story, an emotion, or an idea. Stay true to yourself when writing, even though it’s easier said than done. Making your writing appear too sentimental, romantic, or rhyme-heavy is not the point of learning how to write a poem. Although it may sound cliche, the finest poems are written from the bottom of your heart.
If you still have questions about how to write a poem, you can put down your thoughts by commenting on this post. When you feel ready to begin your creative process, you can click the ‘Start Writing’ button and begin your journey. Happy writing!