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[A few years ago, I wrote this poem “On Writing Poetry” for creative writing students. I hesitated to put it on Poetry Soup, but I did some revisions and decided to share it with you. It was my intention to be helpful and to give some good advice.]  


I have been writing my thoughts in verse for over seventy years,  
Poems appearing in various literary magazines.  
I've been a member of poetry societies far and near,  
I have won awards and traipsed among fine literary scenes.  
I've taught creative writing to youngsters, in-betweens, and the old  
I recognize from experience what is dregs and what is gold. 
 
I've edited and published volumes of poetry which suffice.   
Listing extensive credentials are so you'll clearly understand,   
I have a strong background from which to offer excellent advice.   
If you want to be a respected poet, try not to be bland,   
Be creative in choosing your subject matter and persevere.   
Using worn-out hackneyed phrases won't be appreciated here.   

When you send your poems into the world for everyone to read,  
You want to be considered first-rate, not merely mediocre,  
Proofread, my friend, again I say proofread, 'cause glaring errors bleed. 
If you do not carefully proofread, you will sound like a croaker.  
Learn the fine important differences between their, they're, and there,  
And never use the wrong its (or it's) in a poem anywhere! 
 
Write your poems featuring many things you know about, perhaps,  
Your parents, your grandparents, an uncle, a brother or sister,  
Learn differences in rhythm and flow, and what makes a poem lapse  
Unique style and attention to good form makes you an A-lister.  
Basic grammar skills are always appreciated by readers  
Sloppy work, lack of skills, classifies you with the bottom feeders. 
 
Subject-verb agreement is most essential; wrong sounds out-of-sync  
And misspellings always land your work in the garbage, I suspect  
Learn the differences between gerunds and participles, I think,  
Use proper punctuation where necessary, out of respect.  
It takes a lot of hard work to write good, readable poetry  
Don't mean to sound arrogant or pedantic but take it from me! 
 
I have discovered I can't get into many poems these days,  
Moving along after a line of what some of you have written.   
If I took the time to leave you a note, it means I liked your ways,  
Regarding what I'm reading these days I can't say I am smitten.  
I'll visit again to read your poems--I'm not a total jerk.   
Please continue writing your poetry and proofread all your work! 


[Edited and Revised on March 13, 2021, slightly edited on March 28, 2021]
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