As an aspiring writer, you might be discussing with other writers about whether you should write poetry and whether poetry is for you.
The thing is that humans are creative beings, and if you have a lot going on in your mind that you want to share with the world, then poetry might just be for you. Nonetheless, let us explore why poetry is so interesting and why people write poetry.
Let us start with the history of poetry.
History of Poetry
Anyone new to poetry should know that poetry has a long history for every nation and civilization of the world. People have always relied on poetry to express their feelings with a few words for others to interpret them.
This aspect perfectly explains why most of the religious scriptures are written in poetic languages. Besides – poetry is easy to read, and people of all ages enjoy it. Needless to say – poetry has the power to connect people – even if they are from different backgrounds and beliefs.
Due to its rhymes and rhythms, poetry is easily learned and memorized, which makes it an interesting medium to teach to young children when it comes to nursery rhymes.
Poetry is Appealing
Poetry appeals to the masses – if you know, you know that it is so much more than just syllables and rhymes. If you are thinking about poetry, it means that you are an avid reader of poetry. You might be familiar with the works of famous poets, such as Milton, Robert Frost, William Wordsworth, and many more poets.
In the past, poetry was all about using a set formula of rhymed words and syllables. However, today poetry is an art of expression that is so much more than syllables and rhyming words. Poetry is a noble work of literature that is used as a form of self-expression – conveying one’s thoughts and feelings from the deeper realms of one’s being.
Poetry has a core place in today’s society – it is accepted wholeheartedly in different parts of the globe. Readers can relate to the deeper meanings of poetic composition, especially when it has a message, a central theme, rhythm, and feelings.
Today, poetry can be anything – given the fact that it is beautifully expressed. Poets know how to express grand things and sublime things by using a few words.
Other Potential Reasons to Write Poetry
- Poetry allows the writer to use their creativity and imagination to express their thoughts beautifully and uniquely.
- Poetry soothes, educates, inspires, and motivates – not only the writer but also the readers.
- Poetry has become increasingly popular around the globe.
- Poetry is one of the noblest forms of writing and creative expression, as it is the use of art to spin words and composition.
- The one who writes poetry can heal from unaddressed emotions and feelings.
- It feels good to write poems – irrespective of the subject- about loss, sadness, joy, and happiness.
- Writing improves one’s cognitive ability. The writer who writes poems can improve their cognitive ability during the process of writing. They also learn new ways of expressing and arranging their thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a sublime and essentially poetic way, which not only heals them but also casts a great impression on the reader’s mind.
- Poetry allows one to get out of their comfort zones and explore new regions of their internal and external worlds.
How to Start Writing Poetry
Now that we have established some of the best reasons why people write poetry, you might be wondering how to start your poetry-writing journey. To make things easier for you, we have jotted down some essential tips that will help you along the way.
Of course, you will also want to explore this poetry book layout to help you learn about the different moods, tones, and styles of writing poetry.
Understand what Poetry is
Before you start jotting down words on paper, you will want to learn what a poem is. Simply put – a poem is a collection of words that express an emotion/ idea differently than prose. Typically, poems are written in verse instead of paragraphs.
Poems can integrate complete and incomplete sentences and also have a rhythm. However, it is not mandatory for poetry to rhyme.
Define the Purpose and Subject
Of course, you will need a purpose to write poetry. Your purpose can help you establish the type of form and style you will want to use. You will also determine how long or short you will want the poem to be and what type of language you will be using in the poem.
Once you know the purpose, you will want to choose the subject for the poem. What will the poem be about? By choosing a subject, you can get started with writing a prompt. Some common subjects for poems include the following:
- Love/ fear emotions
- Real/ fictional person
- Real/fictional place
- Object/ animal
- Feelings such as acceptance/ rejection
Brainstorm Words Using a Mind Map
Once you have determined the purpose and chosen a subject for your poem, you will want to brainstorm words that will help you bring your poem to life. You can also use a mind map to jot down all the words that come to your mind when you think about your main theme.
You will want to use your creative and imaginative power to assess what the objects and people related to the subject might feel or see. For instance, if you are writing about a pineapple, you might wonder why it is there and who put it in the place.
You will also bring it to life by giving it a mind and seeing things from its perspective. When it comes to imagination, there are absolutely no limits. The world is yours, and you bring the world alive in front of your readers.
Loosen up your imaginative power and make your thoughts come to life on the page – you can make up crazy colorful stories and just write down whatever comes to your mind.
