How to write a poem...

Here are some tips for you to start writing poems.

Remember anything you write is amazing, even if it turns out bad like most of my poems. Sometimes you have to write 10 poems to get one good one.

Know your purpose. Why are you writing a poem and what do you want it to do?
Pick a subject. You do not have to pick a stereotypical poetry topic such as nature, animals, love, or some sort of darker topic. Poems can be written about any topic under the sun.

Choose a pattern. You might choose to use free verse, rhyming couplets, or an epic poetry style. It's better to let the words flow with the style, than to return later and try to fit your already-written ideas into a totally new scheme.

Avoid clichés. These are sayings that have been overused, like busy as a bee, or blind as a bat.

Use imagery. Paint with your words and use concrete words that appeal to the senses. Abstract words can not give the reader a good picture of what you are trying to say.

Source: www.writersdigest.com...

a reply to: Quantum12

I used to really enjoy writing poetry.

I would like to add, through my own experience, that my shorter poems are almost always more appreciated than the longer poems. Something about underlying rythms in long poetry seem to tire the reader.

Though that is only an observation and I could be wrong.

a reply to: Bobaganoosh

You should write some more. I would love to read your art. I know your a great writer.

Long poems, I don't think people stay focused or care to finish it. Short poems are the way to go.

Here is a short one: lol
Bobaganoosh loved hummus,
Hummus loved Bobaganoosh,
The two got married.

Not good lol

I'll share my favorite poem. I leave it scrawled on support beams and areas that were difficult to access in just about every job or construction site I've ever worked on. Kind of a bathroom bandit, but with class. I want the explorer to find my work.

The clearest pictures kept in mind
Will fade away in given time,
Faces, places, left behind
In shadows hiding, hard to find.

You see my face? A smiling lie,
A darkened soul behind bright eyes,
A bitter taste in sweet disguise,
Your hellos met by my goodbyes.

In darkest days, through rain and mist,
I drink my fate with lemon twist,
And try to grasp with clenching fists,
To realities which do not exist.

Then I sign off with "Bango Skank wuz here"

a reply to: Bobaganoosh

That is a great poem, I really learned from your writing. Thank you kind friend!

You should make your poem a thread!

a reply to: Quantum12

Funny, I never thought about it.

It never had a title though. I could never sum it up with a title statement that provoked the same emotion as the poem itself. I just might make a thread for ATS to help me title it. Crowd sourced closure.

What a day and age.

a reply to: Bobaganoosh

LOL, that is a great idea. Post your poem and have everyone reply what to name it!!!

there was a time when i knew it all,
but then all of a sudden i had a great fall,
the fall im talking of, came at inception
before this time i was in perfection,
it is from birth i have been conditioned to forget,
is it only in death that i will escape this net?



just of the top of my head

a reply to: Davg80

Hey that was great! Go publish it as a new poem!

a reply to: Quantum12

where do i publish?

When I Write

When I write...I write from the heart,
It's the purest, most beautiful place to start.
Let the emotions flow like a river flows free,
Let the heart take me where I need to be.

And I follow the current... I just drift along.
If I push, then the words seem to come out wrong.
Each poem's meant to capture a moment in time,
That needs to be freed from the depths of your mind.

Thanks,
blend57

a reply to: Davg80

Right here

www.abovetopsecret.com...

Click new topic.

a reply to: blend57

Your the best blend57.

I feel your a famous writer!

a reply to: Quantum12

Long ago when giants were men
Feign purpose far beyond our ken
With hewn might and wizard lore
Enchanted stone from distant shore
And measured then with silver cord
An arcane knowledge of the star
And set them down on hallowed hill
In sylvan wood and sacred grove

a reply to: Quantum12

thanks mate, yeah i will fix it and maybe start a short poem thread, never done that before

a reply to: midicon

Your poem is awesome!!!

a reply to: Davg80

Please do it!

originally posted by: Quantum12
a reply to: midicon

Your poem is awesome!!!

Hey, thanks, I'm just a pretend poet.

midicon.

a reply to: midicon

Well you did a great job!!!

here's one i made earlier; (ps. i play a little fast and loose with grammar sometimes)

the invaders

here they come, shouting.
isn't this fun?
now you believe it,
the game is begun.
all for the good of us all,
to be sure.
all to be safe
to be soft
and secure.
let the invaders
attack as they might,
secret persuaders
will sanction the fight.
too many cooks
- by design if you please!
set at the dish
of despair and unease.
served up with glee,
and consumed
without pride.
that we shall be free
to be led
to be lied.