An Easy Guide on How to Write Different Types of Poetry
Find Inspiration All Around You
Why You Should Try Writing Poetry
I am going to explain some of the different types of poems which are out there and how to write them.
Poetry is individual, the words can convey beauty, power or pain. The skillful use of imagery can conjure up a picture in your mind which 'almost takes you there.' The feelings of the characters may well be so poignantly written that you can feel their pain and relate it to events from your own life. The written verse is vibrant, skillfully done and it can hold a very deep individual meaning for the reader.
Poetry can Convey Deep Meanings
You Can Write a Poetic Masterpiece
As well as reading poetic works, you may decide to give poetry writing a chance as well. From writing the first draft to reading the finished product you are involved in a journey from your own inspiration to producing a piece which others may find true meaning in.
Below, I am going to list some easy tips for writing your own poetic pieces and also include some information on some of the common technical devices.
If you have a spare fifteen minutes one day perhaps you could write your own poem, you may even find that you have a talent that you did not know existed.
Speak From the Heart
How to Write Poetry
Your inspiration for writing may come from anywhere. Perhaps you see or hear something interesting when you are out and about. You may feel sad or joyful about a specific past or present event. It is from the heart, write what you feel and remember to leave pauses for the reader to catch their breath between lines.
When you have your inspiration, sit and write out what comes to your mind. It can be written either in line form or even as a passage of prose which you can edit later to take on a poetic form.
Read aloud your first draft and pull out the interesting phrases, the things that have meaning and anything else you think is important within it. Go through your draft and change the bits you feel have no worth or importance . This process of revision changes your poem from an idea into a creation.
The revision process may take a long time. As you revise you will see a shape appear in your poem. Revise until you are happy with what you have written and it feels right.
The most important thing is to enjoy writing it.
Photograph Interesting Sights that you can Write about Later
In Writing - Choosing Either a Descriptive or Evocative Title
The title is paramount to the poem and will be the first thing that attracts your reader. The space between reading the title and getting to the written words is a magical time where your reader is guessing and wondering what will happen.
Within titles there are two main types: the descriptive and the evocative.The descriptive title will get to the point whilst the evocative title will be more mysterious.
Let your imagination roam and create a title to capture and captivate your audience.
Fill your Senses and Relay it Into Words
Where Should You Break the Poetry Lines?
The line in poetry can be either a full sentence or a broken one. Where you break your line will affect your readers who perception of the poetry. Positioning your line breaks in the normal pattern at the end of your sentence will create structure. However, if you break lines in the middle of sentences and at the end of stanzas you can create suspense and add to the atmosphere and drama of the poem.
You can limit line lengths within your verse by counting the number of syllables it contains. You may decided that all the lines in the poem will be eight syllables long which will give your poem a clear shape but it may also restrict your writing choices.
Poetry can express our feelings and our thoughts.
Different Types of Poems
Read on to find out about some common poetry types and also some of the techniques used to write them.
Be Inspired by the Great Outdoors
Acrostic
Acrostic verse involves using a word or name written down the left hand side which you then need to use as the first letter for each of your words on each of your lines.
Alliterative
Alliterative verse has been used for centuries. It involves using two or more words which begin within the same sound within your line. Using alliteration creates a shape within the writing and a sense of rhythm. Traditionally it is the first syllable on which the alliteration is based, but you can choose the right method for yourself.
Do you feel poetry should rhyme?
Should poetry use rhyming?
Let the Feelings Flow Through Your Words
Free Verse
Free verse basically means that you write without following any particular rules or a structure. At the end of your free verse, your writing will have developed it own shape.
Haiku
Haiku is originally from Japan but the English speaking Haiku usually take a slightly different form to the Japanese one.
In English Haiku a basic structure exists where three lines are used containing seventeen syllables, usually split as five, seven and five. Very beautiful pieces of writing can be created in this form.
Using Imagery in Your Writing
The use of imagery within poetry is one of the most exciting aspects of its creation. The use of metaphoric language where we state that something 'is' something unrelated produces a dramatic effect.
Similes are also used in poetry where we state something is 'like' something else unrelated.
Inspiration can come in many forms.
Narrarative Form
A narrative poem is telling a story. It might have real details of people and places and off course it can still use creative imagery as well.
Writing Poetry
Different Types of Rhyme
Full rhyme gives your poem a very distinctive shape but it has to be used carefully so that it doesn't become predictable. It may also cut down the choice of words that you can use because you have to make it rhythm.
Half rhyme is a popular choice, as it still has rhyme but isn't as restrictive to your word choices.
Release Your Inner Poet
The Poetic Conclusion
I hope you have enjoyed reading about my tips and the journey of it's creation. Perhaps it may entice you to try to write a few lines yourself.
You have nothing to lose by giving it a try and you may even discover a creative new talent you did not even know you had.
Walk In the Shoes of Your Character
Do You Write Poetry?
Do you normally write poetry to express yourself?
Inspiration Is All Around Us
© 2013 Anna Haven