Dear Budding Poet

Dear Budding Poet, Modern poetry is a mix of new and old with modern styles created by bending or even breaking the rules of old forms to create new ones. Express yourself any way you want to because the rules are not set in stone. Ten Tips For Would Be Poets Of All Ages. 1/ If you want to raise awareness of say a social issue write an eye catching poem it will certainly get peoples attention or even wanting to send a wedding or birthday greeting it will mean so much to the recipient. 2/ If you want to write a historical poem ensure all facts are correct, dates, times and places etc. 3/ When an idea enters your head make sure you make a note of it or it may fade from your mind. A note app on your smart phone is handy for jotting ideas down if you are away from home or even a small notebook and pen. 4/ Ensure your spelling and grammar are correct, many computers have spell checkers in their software so do use them, also a small pocket dictionary is a handy tool to have. 5/ Plan what you are going to write have all information to hand and decide what form you are going to use , rhyme , prose sonnet or free verse etc. 6/ When you have completed your first poem confide in close friends or family read it to them and ask for their honest opinion. Do not be disheartened by comments like “well its okay, but” or “don’t give up your current job”, take it on the chin, make changes and prove them wrong. 7/ Now you need to start ‘polishing’ it for a couple of days or even longer. Go over every stanza (verse) and read it back to yourself. Never be in a rush to get it out there, your patience will be rewarded. 8/ After a while when you have mastered the basics you might want to join a poetry group in your area or join a poetry group online like Poetry Soup. There you will find poets at all levels who can provide invaluable advice and guidance. 9/ Read poems written by other poets to get ideas but develop your own style. 10/ There is no deadline in writing a poem, always ensure you work in a relaxed and peaceful environment and be patient, it will come to you. I believe it is vital to keep your mind active, especially if you are retired, so writing poetry has brought me immense pleasure, seeing my thoughts in written form and sharing with others. MY FAVOURITE THEMES Issues affecting mankind, historical poems, nature and humour. MAIN REFERENCES I USE How many syllables .com Wikpedia Poetry soup Google Use your own observations of nature and make notes. MY FAVOURITE POEMS. Sonnet = Our beautiful sky Sonnet = Summer days Rhyme = The poppy Rhyme = Dublin Rhyme = Always read the fine print Rhyme = The doomsday clock -2 minutes to midnight Rhyme = Internet trolls Rhyme = A winter’s mischief Free verse = Seasons Limerick = Sir Jinxalot LITERARY BACKGROUND. I wrote a few poems for a family reunion in 2017 and have been composing poetry ever since I am now retired and find it an enjoyable pastime, I went to a junior and senior school and do not have a degree in literature, beneficial without a doubt but not vital for writing poetry. BOOK TITLE SUGGESTIONS A gateway to the beautiful world of poetry. Entered into Line Gauthiers, Tips for modern poetry to budding poets of all ages-Poetry contest. Written on Tuesday June 5th 2018