On Writing Poetry

[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]