On Writing Poetry

Lifted from somewhere, reference for attribution lost:
"If there is any characteristic which separates poets
from writers of fiction, it is their particular fascination 
with words in themselves.  Poetry is normally written
more slowly, more painstakingly than fiction and the
finished work is intended for careful, repeated reading.
It is natural for the poet to place a special emphasis
on the overtones, the rhythmical effect, and the sound
of words."

I shuffle papers, reread
what I have written long ago --
impelled now by the urge to say
something, not necessarily new,
but perhaps of minimal importance
and imbued with some logical meaning --
structured and stated in an "artistic"
and pleasing style.
Those thoughts, though, must convey 
some meaning, cannot be 
(or should not be) empty babble.
And ponderous subjects
are of little interest.
So, what makes poetic
expression pleasing, 
or illuminating?
It begins with clarity of thought
with precision of expression;
it depends upon
having something to say
that is worth saying.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2016



Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 6/5/2021 1:42:00 PM
I really related to this one, Leo:”Having something to say that is worth saying.” Best, SuZ
Login to Reply
Date: 5/5/2016 1:16:00 PM
This is is fine piece with soul-reaching quality. I love this so much
Login to Reply
Date: 4/12/2016 5:48:00 PM
Leo: Just wanted you to know: I enjoyed this a great deal. I saw myself around every turn of phrase. I don't do these things but have thought of many of them as I've put pen to parchment these last 10 yrs or so. :o) Thanks for sharing. Keep up the good work. oldbuck
Login to Reply
Date: 4/12/2016 4:09:00 PM
Mr. Amadore, I found your writing on Poetry very experience oriented ---true. I surely enjoyed your poem and the word wise words written ---on Poetry. Thank you for sharing. I look forward to much more of your work. Betty Burdette
Login to Reply
Date: 4/12/2016 3:07:00 PM
Very True Leo there's a huge difference between Poets and Fictional writers. I really enjoyed reading your Poem....
Login to Reply
Date: 4/10/2016 9:51:00 PM
Leo, a well-written poem with words of wisdom about writing poetry. "clarity of thought and precision of expression...having something to say that is worth saying." Yes, that is the difficult part! I really enjoyed reading your poem. Sandra
Login to Reply
Date: 3/22/2016 10:25:00 AM
Much wisdom in these lines, Leo. I relate easily to it by my own experience in writing prose and poetry. Thanks for reading my work. / M
Login to Reply
Date: 3/11/2016 9:08:00 AM
I like this poem, Leo, I have so many old poems, never shuffle through the stack. Glad you jut down what's worth saying. Hugs. LINDA
Login to Reply
Get a Premium Membership
Get more exposure for your poetry and more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Radiant Verses: A Journey Through Inspiring Poetry

Member Area

My Admin
Profile and Settings
Edit My Poems
Edit My Quotes
Edit My Short Stories
Edit My Articles
My Comments Inboxes
My Comments Outboxes
Soup Mail
Poetry Contests
Contest Results/Status
Followers
Poems of Poets I Follow
Friend Builder

Soup Social

Poetry Forum
New/Upcoming Features
The Wall
Soup Facebook Page
Who is Online
Link to Us

Member Poems

Poems - Top 100 New
Poems - Top 100 All-Time
Poems - Best
Poems - by Topic
Poems - New (All)
Poems - New (PM)
Poems - New by Poet
Poems - Read
Poems - Unread

Member Poets

Poets - Best New
Poets - New
Poets - Top 100 Most Poems
Poets - Top 100 Most Poems Recent
Poets - Top 100 Community
Poets - Top 100 Contest

Famous Poems

Famous Poems - African American
Famous Poems - Best
Famous Poems - Classical
Famous Poems - English
Famous Poems - Haiku
Famous Poems - Love
Famous Poems - Short
Famous Poems - Top 100

Famous Poets

Famous Poets - Living
Famous Poets - Most Popular
Famous Poets - Top 100
Famous Poets - Best
Famous Poets - Women
Famous Poets - African American
Famous Poets - Beat
Famous Poets - Cinquain
Famous Poets - Classical
Famous Poets - English
Famous Poets - Haiku
Famous Poets - Hindi
Famous Poets - Jewish
Famous Poets - Love
Famous Poets - Metaphysical
Famous Poets - Modern
Famous Poets - Punjabi
Famous Poets - Romantic
Famous Poets - Spanish
Famous Poets - Suicidal
Famous Poets - Urdu
Famous Poets - War

Poetry Resources

Anagrams
Bible
Book Store
Character Counter
Cliché Finder
Poetry Clichés
Common Words
Copyright Information
Grammar
Grammar Checker
Homonym
Homophones
How to Write a Poem
Lyrics
Love Poem Generator
New Poetic Forms
Plagiarism Checker
Poetics
Poetry Art
Publishing
Random Word Generator
Spell Checker
Store
What is Good Poetry?
Word Counter