Poem Writing Tips

There are a few things to think about before you start writing your poem. The following tips on writing poems will help you get started.
Know your purpose. Why are you writing a poem and what do you want it to do? Pick a subject. You do not have to pick a stereotypical poetry topic such as nature, animals, love, or some sort of darker topic. Poems can be written about any topic under the sun. Choose a pattern. You might choose to use free verse, rhyming couplets, or an epic poetry style. It’s better to let the words flow with the style, than to return later and try to fit your already-written ideas into a totally new scheme. Avoid clichés. These are sayings that have been overused, like busy as a bee, or blind as a bat. Use imagery. Paint with your words and use concrete words that appeal to the senses. Abstract words can not give the reader a good picture of what you are trying to say.Use similes and metaphors. Similes compare two things, like “you are sweet as honey” and usually use the word “like” or “as.” Metaphors state that one thing is another thing, like “you are a pig.” Things being compared in a metaphor have at least one thing in common but are very different in other ways. Remember that poems do not have to have rhymes or meter. If a poem is too much like a nursery rhyme, it can distract from the poem’s purpose. Revise your poem. You should put it away for a day or two, then read it again and try to make it better. You may want to have a friend read it and get his opinion.

Poem Writing Tips