How do you write good poetry? Simply put: write something that other people like and want to read. Then, it will most likely be considered good; not by everyone though (because there is always someone who will not like your work, not to mention that different people set different requirements for 'good'). And then again, just because lots of people like your poetry doesn't mean it is good, but I'm getting off subject.
Everyone can write a good poem. To help me, I rely on a set of 'rules' so-to-speak. This is a list of things that I try to keep in mind when writing poetry. What you are about to read was actually a response to a forum thread post...so that's what's up with the part at the end. There was an opening at the beginning but that wouldn't have made any sense to you. So here you go.
1. I never TRY to write a poem. Trying creates forced poetry.
2. I let the poem flow...if it doesn't flow (or stops flowing in the middle) I put it on hold until something flows out that works. Or else it becomes forced poetry.
3. I NEVER have another poem in mind while writing (not even my own). Or else I tend to create a step-sister poem. Sounds the same; similar content; just a copy.
4. I allow my poetry to be fluid. If the poem is going one direction, but then begins to lean another, I let it go the way it wants. If it's not fluid, then it won't flow, and it becomes forced.
5. When something comes to me, I jot it down. This is just something I do.
6. I never predetermine any aspect of my poem. Normally (as in the case of a Contest Entry) there is something that sparked the poem, so it just goes from there. - If I begin to rhyme, I may focus on wanting the rest to rhyme, but I don't force it to rhyme. - If I setup a rhythm and then break it, then I break it. Should I disrupt something the poem wants to do, the poem won't flow.
7. If my poem is bad (to me, that is) then I stick it on the back burner. I NEVER throw anything away. Not that it is precious, but I may come across it later and all-of-a-sudden have an ending. Or I may find I liked the idea and then a new poem arises from that (or some other aspect of the 'bad' poem).
8. I NEVER EVER let other people get to me. Many people have said my poem is stupid, or the flow was off, or I forced the rhyming...etc. Even the best poets in the world aren't perfect, and their opinions are just personal opinions. It's what they think, and they may not think the way I do and that is perfectly logical.
9. I ALWAYS listen to critiques and comments. Even if I don't like what I am hearing. I make mistakes; I have forced poetry; I have dumb poetry; I even have poems that barely qualify as poetry. So I take things worth a grain of salt and watch for the salt to build up. If many people say one thing, that still doesn't make it right, but it may have more of a chance of being right than 'that one thing that one person said.' And as far as the Rules of Poetry, there are some things that you kinda have to keep in mind...sometimes.
10. I write for one person: ME. Even if it's for a Contest, I am not writing to show up all the other contest winners. (When I enter a contest I am entering because something sparked my interest in the Contest Rules.)
These are just things I always keep in mind (or at least try to keep in mind). Some people will argue with some of my points and I say 'whatever'. If we all agreed on everything, there would be no controversy and life would be dull. (could you imagine a forum with no controversy?) But these points work for me and maybe one or two or all of them will work for you as well. It never hurts to try...well, almost never. (trying skydiving for the first time ever and getting a bum chute would hurt I'll bet)
Last thing, I promise: I entered a Contest. I had to have a poem about "My Last Wish". I began thinking it would be sentimental...but by the end it was about a fish getting squished by a fish tank. I won the Contest (although, it was just me and another person...and another, but that person got disqualified). so you never know what the poetry will want to do, so just let it flow.
-thelastboyyoullever
Everyone can write good poetry. To help me, I've developed a set of 10 'rules' that I keep in mind whenever I am writing. Hopefully, they can be helpful to you as well.
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