How to Be a Poet

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Decide what kind of poem you would like to write.

   The external links explain different types of poems and descriptions of each.
2. 2

   Step 2: Find a source of inspiration such as nature

   If you're going through a life (or love!) crisis, or maybe a problem such as an addiction, use your experience to provide a topic.
   
   You may want to begin with a title to focus your thoughts.
   
   Or just start with whatever is on your mind.
   
   Perhaps you are feeling sad or angry, or maybe you're missing someone or feeling other internal pain.
   
   Let your thoughts flow on the paper until you don't have anything more to add. , (For example, if you want to write about doomed romance, you can get ideas from Romeo and Juliet.) , Tell the reader what you did, what you touched, specific memories, or make comparisons to nature or the world.
   
   Readers are curious to learn about you, but in order to touch readers and make them care about your poem, you've got to relate your confession to someone or something else.
   
   Draw a connection between yourself and the reader, or better yet, a surprising connection that makes the reader think "aha!".
   
   That being said ... , Perhaps you see a bug struggling to get across a deep crack in the sidewalk.
   
   Describe the scene in words so that a reader has the feeling of seeing it for themselves.
   
   You can even add what the scene reminds you of in your own life. , Poetry is about using as few words as possible, but using "beautiful" words to describe what you are writing about. , Move sections around and see what version has the most impact. , For instance, if you were writing about a bad love affair, a title like "Rotten Apple" might get any readers off in the mood you want.
   
   However, don't add a title just to have one.
   
   Many fine poems are listed simply as "Untitled". ,
3. 3

   Step 3: a strong emotion

4. 4

   Step 4: a beautiful or engaging image.

5. 5

   Step 5: Come up with one word or topic (from your source of inspiration) and list words or phrases associated with that topic

6. 6

   Step 6: for example

7. 7

   Step 7: for "love

8. 8

   Step 8: " red roses

9. 9

   Step 9: white doves

10. 10

    Step 10: love letters/poems

11. 11

    Step 11: romance

12. 12

    Step 12: family/friends

13. 13

    Step 13: Even in "confessional" or personal poetry

14. 14

    Step 14: don't just write about emotions.

15. 15

    Step 15: Pay attention to strong or unusual images as you go about your life.

16. 16

    Step 16: Use a thesaurus.

17. 17

    Step 17: When you've finished your first draft

18. 18

    Step 18: read it over and see if you've been unnecessarily repetitive.

19. 19

    Step 19: If you didn't start with a title

20. 20

    Step 20: read over what you've written and write a title that either introduces

21. 21

    Step 21: sums up

22. 22

    Step 22: or perhaps gives a twist on what the poem says.

23. 23

    Step 23: You have become a "poet"!

Detailed Guide

About the Author