For very few people, it can come as a gift; to be able to take a pen
and sheet of paper and just start writing a poem. It's as if the pen is
the source of the words and emotion, and not the man/woman. It is a rare
talent, to be able to write something meaningful, without it actually
meaning anything to you. Others write poetry based on their emotions,
trials and tribulations, even their everyday interactions. For those
individuals that do need to find inspiration to start writing, this
article will hopefully give you some of the helpful resources that you
will need so that you never run out of ideas.
First, what exactly do you want or need to write about? Is this an assignment for class and you have certain restrictions or is it just for yourself? What emotions do you want to portray in your work. If you have the flexibility to choose, pick a topic and emotion that you are familiar with like "I love comics", where love is the emotion and comics is the topic. It is much easier to write about a familiar subject rather than something that you are not too familiar with. Then, you might want to pick another topic within the subject that you chose, like "Heroes" and how you wished that they were real or even when growing up you thought you could become one, something along those lines.
The use of descriptive words is essential for your group of readers; it will help them understand what message there is with more emotion. Words like "Soar" instead of "Fly", "Invincible" or "Unbreakable" instead of "Strength". The words in your poetry should be vivid enough to 'paint' an image in your readers mind, make the reader create a story for him/herself using your words; the goal is to captivate and fire the imagination. Descriptive words also relay the emotion in your work, the English dictionary has many words that can mean the same thing; use them, one word can sound more 'aggressive' than others but have the same meaning, do you got it? Good.
Since poetry does have a tendency to rhyme, try to bring your ideas and words together. Connecting them with rhyme can give your work its own identity with the repetition of related sounds, for example, here is a poem that I wrote:
Pen to paper
The black on white,
Words of impression
Words of wrong or right;
Like the emotions
Separating love from pain,
Or the clouds
Separating the sunshine from the rain;
The words separate
Reality from the dreams,
Imagination can carry you
To a place you've never been;
Ink on the pad
Notes to your life,
Whatever helps you to relax
So that you can sleep at night;
History that is written
For many generations,
Taught and learned
Written for inspiration
- J a R -
Notice, there are rhymes, and they connect to each other, and don't stray from the subject at hand. This is simply the idea that is behind rhyming poetry. Also, each poem that you read has its own rhythm; tapping your feet or hands when you read and write will help you become better and find a 'groove'.
Appearance is important as well, when you finish writing, stop and take a look at it; does it look more attractive aligned left centered or right? Usually short sentenced/lined poetry is more attractive when it's centered to the page. Longer lines should be more aligned to the left or right; and if you're feeling creative, create an image with the actual poem. Alongside the appearance of your poem, the pattern of the sound of your poem is essential to leave an impression on your readers as well. For example, a dark poem would not sound happy and vice versa.
Lastly, the art of poetry was created to share with everyone. So share it with your loved ones, friends, and even complete strangers, in person or online. Remember, everyone will have an opinion and will interpret your work differently. It may make sense to others; while some won't get it at all, you will get criticized eventually and hopefully it is constructive. Don't forget that criticism will only help you get better; it will help you open your mind to other opportunities. You will and can only get better as long as you trust and enjoy yourself .... and one last thing - Poetry should be and is fun!
First, what exactly do you want or need to write about? Is this an assignment for class and you have certain restrictions or is it just for yourself? What emotions do you want to portray in your work. If you have the flexibility to choose, pick a topic and emotion that you are familiar with like "I love comics", where love is the emotion and comics is the topic. It is much easier to write about a familiar subject rather than something that you are not too familiar with. Then, you might want to pick another topic within the subject that you chose, like "Heroes" and how you wished that they were real or even when growing up you thought you could become one, something along those lines.
The use of descriptive words is essential for your group of readers; it will help them understand what message there is with more emotion. Words like "Soar" instead of "Fly", "Invincible" or "Unbreakable" instead of "Strength". The words in your poetry should be vivid enough to 'paint' an image in your readers mind, make the reader create a story for him/herself using your words; the goal is to captivate and fire the imagination. Descriptive words also relay the emotion in your work, the English dictionary has many words that can mean the same thing; use them, one word can sound more 'aggressive' than others but have the same meaning, do you got it? Good.
Since poetry does have a tendency to rhyme, try to bring your ideas and words together. Connecting them with rhyme can give your work its own identity with the repetition of related sounds, for example, here is a poem that I wrote:
Pen to paper
The black on white,
Words of impression
Words of wrong or right;
Like the emotions
Separating love from pain,
Or the clouds
Separating the sunshine from the rain;
The words separate
Reality from the dreams,
Imagination can carry you
To a place you've never been;
Ink on the pad
Notes to your life,
Whatever helps you to relax
So that you can sleep at night;
History that is written
For many generations,
Taught and learned
Written for inspiration
- J a R -
Notice, there are rhymes, and they connect to each other, and don't stray from the subject at hand. This is simply the idea that is behind rhyming poetry. Also, each poem that you read has its own rhythm; tapping your feet or hands when you read and write will help you become better and find a 'groove'.
Appearance is important as well, when you finish writing, stop and take a look at it; does it look more attractive aligned left centered or right? Usually short sentenced/lined poetry is more attractive when it's centered to the page. Longer lines should be more aligned to the left or right; and if you're feeling creative, create an image with the actual poem. Alongside the appearance of your poem, the pattern of the sound of your poem is essential to leave an impression on your readers as well. For example, a dark poem would not sound happy and vice versa.
Lastly, the art of poetry was created to share with everyone. So share it with your loved ones, friends, and even complete strangers, in person or online. Remember, everyone will have an opinion and will interpret your work differently. It may make sense to others; while some won't get it at all, you will get criticized eventually and hopefully it is constructive. Don't forget that criticism will only help you get better; it will help you open your mind to other opportunities. You will and can only get better as long as you trust and enjoy yourself .... and one last thing - Poetry should be and is fun!
