How To Write a Poem

I don't profess it as my expertise, This noble art of stringing words into verse; I’m just a novice expressing my thoughts In lines and stanzas that resemble poems. First, think of a good subject or a theme-- One that is close to your mind, heart, and soul. Then choose how your poem looks on a page-- Couplets, quatrains, rhyming, free verse or ode. Next, conjure an image to dominate Your readers’ mind as they peruse the text; Clothe it with vivid, strong, sensory words That will rouse their feelings or emotions. Emotion! This for me is critical-- Do you want them to laugh, cry, smile, agonize? Thus, opt for that one feeling to prevail And to leave your readers under a spell. Once you’re done, read the poem to yourself: Devour, touch, see, feel, taste--experience it. And when you are already satisfied, Hold it to your heart the way you would a child. March 24, 2023