Getting started with a poem
Choose a topic:
-brainstorm a list of ideas--these could be objects, emotions, phrases you like. Just write it down, even if it seems silly.
-look at your "Where Does Poetry Hide" list.
-think small.
-think about something that is relevant to you.
I've got a topic, now what?
-Read LOTS of poetry--be careful not to plagiarize, but the more you read, the more inspired you will be. Billy Collins is one of my favorite poets, so I like to read his poetry for inspiration.
-Start free-writing about your topic--this can be written in sentences and paragraphs. Try to use imagery--what can your reader see, smell, taste, touch, or hear? Use similes, metaphors, personification, or other literary devices if you can.
-Once you've written that descriptive paragraph, think about (and write down) what you want your reader to think, feel, or understand as he or she reads your poem.
-When you are finished, go back and underline your favorite phrases, descriptions, specific words.
-Rearrange those words and phrases into poetic lines--sketch in your ideas.
-Ask yourself what kind of poem you want to write? Do you want it to rhyme? Do you want to write a lyric poem, haiku, etc.? Do you want to write a free verse?
-Talk it out with a friend or family member.
-Write something down--you'll never write your poem if you don't put something on paper. You can always go back and change things, but sometimes you just have to make yourself get started.
-brainstorm a list of ideas--these could be objects, emotions, phrases you like. Just write it down, even if it seems silly.
-look at your "Where Does Poetry Hide" list.
-think small.
-think about something that is relevant to you.
I've got a topic, now what?
-Read LOTS of poetry--be careful not to plagiarize, but the more you read, the more inspired you will be. Billy Collins is one of my favorite poets, so I like to read his poetry for inspiration.
-Start free-writing about your topic--this can be written in sentences and paragraphs. Try to use imagery--what can your reader see, smell, taste, touch, or hear? Use similes, metaphors, personification, or other literary devices if you can.
-Once you've written that descriptive paragraph, think about (and write down) what you want your reader to think, feel, or understand as he or she reads your poem.
-When you are finished, go back and underline your favorite phrases, descriptions, specific words.
-Rearrange those words and phrases into poetic lines--sketch in your ideas.
-Ask yourself what kind of poem you want to write? Do you want it to rhyme? Do you want to write a lyric poem, haiku, etc.? Do you want to write a free verse?
-Talk it out with a friend or family member.
-Write something down--you'll never write your poem if you don't put something on paper. You can always go back and change things, but sometimes you just have to make yourself get started.