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Write the Poem You Like

Write the poem that delights your ear As though you alone will hear its rhymes, Ask yourself if it sounds pleasing to hear. Read it, read it at least three more times, Then read again after correcting an error, As though you alone will hear its rhymes. Read it to yourself in front of a mirror, Make sure it’s perfect, down to the letter Then read again after correcting an error. Change some words to sound much better Ask yourself is it worthy of Poetry Soup space Make sure it’s perfect, down to the letter. Enter it in a contest it probably won't place! Written September 4, 2022

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 9/6/2022 2:42:00 AM

I have to admit that I read my poems at least three times before I post them, but I often make a mistake I do not see all three times! I do write what I want to write though and this is GREAT advice.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/6/2022 8:41:00 AM

Thank you, Caren. I think that's my main reason for writing poetry...for me.

John Lawless

Date: 9/5/2022 5:23:00 AM

let's give a big hooray...for the sting of the N/A....for though it didn't place....it got into the race

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/5/2022 8:03:00 AM

Yes! Indeed! A good way to look at it, John. Hey, just because one person doesn't like a poem I wrote isn't going to throw me into a tailspin. Right?

Tom Cunningham

Date: 9/4/2022 10:09:00 AM

I'm with Jenna, if you're pleased with it, then what others think doesn't really matter. Write for thee, not they, that's what I do anyway. Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/4/2022 1:01:00 PM

Good thinking, Tom. I appreciate your comment on my poem.

Jenna Logan

Date: 9/4/2022 8:19:00 AM

If we write a poem that we're pleased with, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. soup mail

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/4/2022 1:01:00 PM

I agree wholeheartedly, Jenna. Unfortunately, your soup mail had no subject line, so it did not come through. Try again, okay?

Michael Tor

Date: 9/4/2022 12:55:00 AM

Milton I have to share this with you. I won't mention the judge, and I am not bitter about it but I want to share. I once entered a contest. I wrote a Poem for the contest. The day of the results I did not even place. in the contest. Ironically the Poem I wrote for the contest Received POTD Honors that same day. The Judge apologized and said she had lost my entry. Now I ask you how does that happen unless her winner was a friend or God only knows? A true story. When I read this it brought back that memory.

Michael Tor
Date: 9/4/2022 7:54:00 PM

Thank you for your advice, your comment is one that I believe. Not taking it seriously is a bit of a challenge but I would be better off to do as you suggest. If anyone knows what takes place in these contests it would be you. Thank you again for your insightful advice. Enjoy the rest of the holiday my friend...

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/4/2022 7:53:00 AM

P.O.T.D.? Don't count on it. Lots of crazy things happen on Poetry Soup, Michael, and the general lesson should be not to take anything here too seriously. I'm often disappointed when I write a really good poem and it doesn't place, while some poem that doesn't even make sense places high. You simply cannot take these things seriously or to heart. I write poems. I move on. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. It is not an uncommon one, to be sure.

Michael Tor
Date: 9/4/2022 12:58:00 AM

She did apologize but I never entered another of her contest. That is the reason I don't usually enter contests. This one is a favorite because the ending says it all. Another truth you have shared and exposed. I hope this one gets POTD...

Terry Flood

Date: 9/4/2022 12:18:00 AM

Been there, done that, got the tee shirt. Well, except for the mirror bit… don’t wanna crack it. I suspect that some folk who never write rhyme would be surprised at the way a single line (or, indeed, an entire poem) can mutate into something unrecognisable from its first draft. A worthwhile reminder to all us rhymers, Milt. Terry

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/4/2022 7:58:00 AM

If Poetry Soup has taught me anything, Terry, it has taught me never to take myself too seriously. I do my thing every day...and move on. Everyone should. Poetry Soup has the power to tear your heart out, if you let it. I don't!