Why do people write poetry? It is possible to believe that poetry writing is just for poets or lovers. Poetry can be as beautiful as music. Poetry can capture parts and aspects of human experience in a way that prose cannot.
Let's see why we should all try writing poetry, even though you may not consider ourselves a poet.
My boss suggested to my one-year-old self that I learn poetry. I laughed until he said something serious.
Nonfiction was always my favorite genre. Books about business and blogs about life lessons are some of the things I wrote. I used to think poetry was for writers who were mysterious and literary. I was wrong.
Poetry can have real benefits, like improving your language skills as well as your ability capture emotion with words. These skills are invaluable for any writer, regardless of genre.
Poetry: What is it?
Poetry was always one of these two things. It could be the famous Shakespearean style of writing, in which you have to follow a certain formula and count every syllable. Or, it could be lines that ended in rhymed words, like .
Poetry is not just syllables or rhyming, I have discovered. The OED defines poetry to be literary work that is intense in its expression of feelings and ideas using a distinctive style and rhythm.
Poetry can also be written in any other form. Poetry is simply writing that expresses emotions and ideas in style and rhythm. That is possible.
"Want to become a poet?" Express yourself with style, rhythm and emotion.
Why do people write poetry?
Here are three compelling reasons to write poetry.
1. To Improve Your Language Understanding
Poetry makes you search for the perfect word in the language. Instead of saying "slowly walks through the doors", you might use "enter casually". Poetry requires that you choose every word with care, because it must fit in with the overall rhythm and style.
Poetry requires that you express your feelings almost melodically. This skill and style can only be learned by practicing.
You can fail, but you can still succeed at writing.
Poetry will help you understand language better and improve your ability to use it.
2. To learn how to break the rules
Sometimes I believe rules can be broken. While I may not agree with our editor, I believe that great writing doesn't mean you have to break the rules. You should learn how to create your own. This is how rules get created.
Poetry allows you break more rules. Grammar can be used to create rhythms, and not just to separate dependent clauses. Poetry is not limited in length. Poetry can range from a few words to hundreds of pages.
(This does not mean you should not be able to follow the rules. They're necessary. They are essential. They are not to be taken too seriously if you want to be great writers.
3. To Write Better Prose
Poetry is a great way to improve your writing. I promise you.
Poetry can help you understand the language better and allow you to see your writing in a different way. Poetry allows you to express your thoughts and feelings better.
Take Shakespeare as an example.
Shakespeare's first career was as an actor and playwright. In 1593 & 15,94, Shakespeare was an actor and a playwright. The plague forced the closure of theaters during his middle career. Shakespeare published poetry during this time.
Shakespeare continued writing plays for two more years. But, something had happened.
Shakespeare was known for his comedy and history plays. After taking the time and effort to write poetry, Shakespeare wrote tragedies and dramas, such as Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth. These works are among the best in English.
Poetry will allow you to create better, deeper art.
Write Poetry
It can be daunting to try writing poetry if you've never done it before. Do not be afraid.
Too often, we limit our creativity in writing. Instead, we should be challenging ourselves to be better writers. That means writing what is most frightening to us.
These are the steps to help you create your poem.
1. Be aware of the world around and observe it
This could be as simple as noting a school bus coming through your neighborhood or a bird flying by. You could hear a child laugh, watch a dog race around or taste a delicious cocktail.
Take note of the sensory experience. Then, begin to write down the details. Ask yourself what you can see, hear and taste.
2. Select one image and then use concrete details.
Formal poetry does not have to follow a strict style or be spelled out in a precise manner. Try to capture it as faithfully and accurately as possible.
What are you seeing? You can describe it in as specific a way as possible. What are you hearing? Smell? Taste? Feel? Allow yourself to be absorbed by these sensory details.
You will likely find yourself looking for just the right word. It is important to use words that will allow the reader feel the moment.
3. Connect to more
After you have an image in your mind, think about the memories it brings back to you. You can express yourself more abstractly here – love, beauty and freedom. What do the images suggest about this ideal? Subtly connect the two.
A bright pink nail polish might catch my eye. Do you mistake the polish as food? Both of these ideas are worthy of a poem.
Explore the possibilities of language. Even if the poems you write are not your favorite, it will help you to capture emotion and imagery in your sentences. Try it today!
Do you remember writing poetry? Have you found it has helped you become a better author? Please comment below!
