What To Write About Poetry

What is Poetry?

Poetry is a type of literature composed of rhythmic words that are meant to evoke emotions and bring about powerful images. It often provides a way for people to express their feelings and communicate in ways that words alone cannot do. Its purpose is to convey a certain message to the reader or listener depending on the form and structure of the poem. Poetry is composed of a variety of poetic devices such as repetition, imagery, metaphor, personification and simile.

Types of Poetry

Poetry can come in a variety of forms, each with its own unique characteristics. For example, sonnets consist of 14 lines and typically follow a strict rhyme scheme. Haiku is a Japanese form of poetry composed of three lines and 17 syllables. Other popular forms of poetry include blank verse, lyric and narrative poetry.

Writing Poetry

When it comes to writing poetry, it is important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to do it. The most important thing is to find a form or style of writing that speaks to you so that you can explore your ideas and put them down on paper. Some poets find it helpful to have a general idea of what they want to write about before they begin, while others may use prompts or random words to get started.

Styles of Writing

There are numerous styles of writing when it comes to poetry, from free verse to prose poetry. It is important for writers to explore different styles and techniques to find the one that works best for them. Some poets may prefer to use rhyme and meter, while others might prefer a more conversational style. It is important to experiment with different styles as well as a variety of poetic devices such as alliteration and personification.

Developing Your Writing

When it comes to developing your writing, it is important to stay creative and think outside the box. Reading other poems can help inspire you and provide ideas for what to write about. Additionally, it is important to never stop learning, exploring and practicing your craft.

Critiquing Your Work

It is helpful to have friends or peers who can provide constructive criticism and feedback on your work. This can be a great tool for being able to develop and improve one’s writing. However, it is important to remember to keep an open mind and to never be too sensitive to criticism.

Exploring Topics

When exploring topics for poetic pieces it is important to be aware of what you want to write about and to explore topics that are meaningful to you. While it can be helpful to write about personal experiences and emotions, it is also important to think about what topics are important to the larger community and to explore themes of societal concern.

Finding Inspiration

Finding sources of inspiration can be a difficult task, but it is an important step in the creative process. When there is writer’s block, look to nature, music, literature and art for prompts and ideas. Remember that the best ideas are often born out of moments of stillness and reflection.

Playing with Language

When writing poetry, it is important to have fun with language and to explore different ways of saying things. Playing with language allows us to break away from traditional forms of writing and create pieces that are experimental and unique. By playing with language, poets can take their writing to the next level and create something truly special.

Sharing Your Work

Once a poet has created a piece that they are happy with, it can be helpful to share it with friends and family, in order to get feedback and to inspire others. Additionally, a great way to build an audience is by posting your work online, either through blogging platforms, online journals or social media. This can help get your work out there, while also allowing you to connect with other poets and fans of poetry.

Performing Your Work

Performing poetry is a great way to reach an audience and share your work in a more intimate and powerful way. Poetry slams, which are competitions in which poets perform their work, have become increasingly popular and can be a great way to connect with an audience. This can also be a great way to learn and grow as a writer and to receive valuable feedback from an audience.

Writing about Emotion

Poetry is an effective way to express and convey emotion in a way that words alone cannot do. Writing about emotions can be a cathartic experience, allowing a poet to work through their feelings and understand themselves better. In addition to this, writing poetry can help us to empathise with other people and their experiences, making it a powerful tool for creating understanding and connection.

Researching Poets

In order to become a successful poet, it is important to be familiar with the works of some of the greats. Spending time researching poets and their works can help inspire ideas, create connections between ideas and lead to unique writing styles.

Exploring Different Cultures

In order to gain an understanding of different cultures, exploring the poetry associated with these cultures is essential. For instance, by exploring Chinese Tang dynasty poetry, a poet can gain insight into the culture, music and language of ancient China.

Finding Your Voice

Finding one’s poetic voice is important for any poet, as it helps define and shape their writing. This can be done by exploring and experimenting with different styles, techniques, forms and subjects. Additionally, becoming familiar with the works of other poets can help to form a better understanding of one’s personal voice and style.

Repetition and Rhythm

Using repetition and rhythm to convey thoughts and ideas can be a powerful tool. Using phrases such as “I love you,” or “I am scared” can be effective in conveying a sentiment without having to rely on long-winded sentences. Additionally, using rhythm can help to create powerful images that may not be possible with words alone.

Exploring Metaphor and Symbolism

Exploring the use of metaphor and symbolism can help to add nuance and subtlety to any piece. This can be helpful for creating connections between ideas and for conveying emotions and thoughts in more subtle ways. Additionally, by using metaphor and symbolism, a poet can create pieces that may be more open to interpretation, allowing for multiple levels of understanding.

Developing a Poetic Style

In order to develop a distinct poetic style, it is important to explore different writing techniques, forms and topics. Try experimenting with different themes and ideas, read the works of other poets, and find out what speaks to you. Additionally, it is important to never be afraid to fail when it comes to writing poetry. It is through failure and experimentation that a writer can develop and hone their craft.

Dannah Hannah is an established poet and author who loves to write about the beauty and power of poetry. She has published several collections of her own works, as well as articles and reviews on poets she admires. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a specialization in poetics, from the University of Toronto. Hannah was also a panelist for the 2017 Futurepoem book Poetry + Social Justice, which aimed to bring attention to activism through poetry. She lives in Toronto, Canada, where she continues to write and explore the depths of poetry and its influence on our lives.

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