Barbara P
Barbara P

A Detailed Guide on How to Write a Poem Step by Step

10 min read

Published on: Feb 25, 2020

Last updated on: Dec 19, 2022

How to Write a Poem

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A poem is an arrangement of words that expresses an emotion or idea in a more concentrated style than speech. It is a way to convey your thoughts in attention-grabbing words.

Writing a poem for the first time feels like a daunting and interesting task. Some students get stuck and feel anxious to put down their thoughts on a piece of paper.

However, it doesn’t mean that you don’t write it. Continue reading this blog and learn how to write a poem like an expert.

What is a Poem?

A poem is a beautiful way of expressing your deepest thoughts and feelings imaginatively and creatively. The best poems capture the reader's interest with their vivid imagery and use literary techniques such as meter, metaphor, rhyme to make them memorable for years to come.

The main purpose of a poem is to:

  • Convey an idea or emotion in a beautiful language.
  • Paint what the author feels.
  • Engage readers with powerful words.

Poems can be written in verses, complete sentences, or incomplete ones with a rhythm and don't have to rhyme.

Aristotle suggested that there are three genres of poetry: comedy, tragedy, and epic. He said that comedy aims to imitate what is inferior in a way that produces laughter. Tragedy makes people suffer but wants more by portraying it with certain effects - epics tell stories while using an epic form (which he says has only slight variations from tragedies).

Moreover, the poem is a form of art and gives us the chance to view life from different perspectives and see things in new ways.

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Elements of Poem

Here are some basic elements of the poem are:

TermDefinition
VerseOne line of poetry
RhythmBeats or stressed syllables
RhymeSyllables that sound similar
StanzaGroup of verses
MeterThe pattern of stressed syllables

How to Write a Poem Analysis?

When you analyze the poem, you have to follow the below-mentioned steps.

  • Read your poem out loud and examine the poem’s structure.
  • Think about the title and how it relates to the poem.
  • Understand the audience.

Types of Poem

Poetry is a special form of writing and can be classified into three different types. Each form of poetry can break down further into many subdivisions, and each consists of rhyme schemes, rhythms, and style.

Let’s discuss them in detail:

1. Lyric

Lyric poetry is often considered the most emotional type because it focuses on feelings and emotions. However, it does not include telling a story, and its subdivisions include elegy, ode, and sonnet.

2. Narrative

The narrative poem tells a story. It can be an account of the events in ancient times, or it may simply tell about something someone has experienced themselves and wants to share with others.

3. Dramatic

This type of poetry is a form of verse meant to be spoken and tell stories. Blank verse is the common dramatic form. Other forms include rhyme verse and closet drama.

Therefore, keep these types in mind and create a well-written poem that impresses the readers.

How to Write a Poem for Kids?

At the school level, teachers assign writing exercises to students to write a poem. Through this, they improve their creative writing and thinking skills.

However, for a good poem, you should know how to write it. For your help, we gathered some steps that will help you create the perfect poem for kids.

1. Think of a Topic

First, you have to think of an idea or theme that you find fascinating. Then, choose an idea or theme that can give your poem a clear objective.

2. Choose Words Carefully

Create a list of words that describe your topic. You should use powerful words in your poem and make it a good one. However, avoid using difficult and complex words that make the readers confused. Also, keep in mind that kids like rhyming poems.

3. Use Line Breaks Deliberately

With the help of line breaks, the readers know when and where to pause. It gives rhythm and adds meaning to your poem.

4. Use Literary Devices

A good way to make your poem stand out is using literary devices such as metaphor and simile. These can be used to paint a detailed picture for the reader, or they may add variety and depth if you vary them throughout the piece of writing.

5. Start Writing

When you start writing the poem, use the list of words that you create. Then, begin with a question or statement about the topic. Also, remember to use your senses and make your poem descriptive. You can also use comparisons and give readers a clear picture in their minds.

Therefore, follow these steps and write a great poem that meets your teacher’s standards.

How to Write a Poem about Yourself?

Here are some tactics that you should follow when you start writing a poem about yourself.

  • Read Examples of Poetry

    A great way to start learning about poetry is by looking at examples of poems. You may read poems of famous persons that are written on the same topic that you choose. Get an idea from them and examine these things:

    • What words do they use?
    • What ideas or thoughts do they discuss?
    • How well they represent their genre.

    Therefore, you must investigate these things and try to read examples of your interest.

  • Pick a Specific Idea

    Begin the poem by paying attention to a specific idea or theme that fascinates you. Picking an interesting, thought-provoking topic to write about in the poem will allow more creativity and uniqueness.

  • Choose a Poetic Form

    Many poetic forms are available that you can use, such as:

    • Sonnet
    • Free Verse
    • Rhyming couplet

    Select a poetic form that you find easy to use. Also, stick to that form so your poem feels cohesive to the reader.

  • Writing the Poem

    To make it more immersive and exciting, you must avoid abstract imagery. Instead, you should try to use the five senses to describe something. Using these will make images come alive on paper when writing a poem, giving readers a more immersive experience.

  • Polishing the Poem

    Once you finish writing the poem, read it aloud and observe how each word sounds. Also, you must notice that each line flows and make a connection to the next line. Avoid words that sound awkward and chaotic.

    Feedback can help you to improve your poem. Therefore, send it to your friends, family members, etc., and get feedback from them. You must be sure that every line of your poem connects to your theme, idea, or goal.

How to Write a Poem on Nature?

Poets have always found inspiration in nature. However, to write about nature with authenticity, one must do so in rich detail to evoke emotions when contemplating natural beauty.

Below are some techniques on how to incorporate these feelings into your poem:

  • Read some Nature Poetry

    You must read the poetry of the successful poets. It can give you inspiration, ideas and open your eyes to what possibilities exist in writing about the natural world.

  • Spend Time in Nature

    The best way to find inspiration for writing a poem is by getting outside and connecting with nature. Whether it be a short walk or a long camping trip, getting out in the wild will help you find your ideas.

  • Write your Observation

    When you are outside, you observe the natural world around you. Also, you are noticing what you feel, smell, and hear. Write down initial observations and work on them.

  • Find a Theme

    Before you start writing a poem, think about the theme which covers your main goal. It can be a combination of an idea and an opinion on that idea. When the theme is in your mind, it will help you in your writing phase. Also, the theme decides what you write about and how well you write it.

  • Crafting a Poem

    Once you decide on the theme, start writing the poem. First, you have to write a rough draft and then make it perfect.

    The following are the rules that you should follow when writing the poem.

    • Choose concrete words instead of abstract ones.
    • Choose a correct poetic form.
    • Incorporate simile and metaphor.

    Therefore, remember these rules and try to write a good one.

  • Revise your Poem

    Revision is an important part of the writing phase. In this step, you will remove all the grammatical, punctuation, and vocabulary mistakes. Try to make it error-free and make sure that your poem sounds good.

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How to Write a Poem about Someone?

Writing poetry about someone can be daunting. It's intimidating to try and capture their entire essence in poetic form, but it is possible with these writing steps:

1. Decide the Form

The first step towards writing any type of poetry is to decide the poetic form. It depends on what you need to express about your subject. However, choose the form carefully and according to your subject.

2. Brainstorm the list of Memories

When writing about specific people, first write down any vivid or lasting memories you have of them that can help inform the content of your poem.

For example, if you write a poem about your friend, try to recall the first time you met. Then, remember all the good times you spent that you can easily describe in your poem.

3. Describe the Person

In this step, write the specific details about the person so the readers easily understand. You can write about:

  • What they look like.
  • What kind of clothes do they wear?
  • What are its best and worst qualities?

Therefore, put all these things in your poem and leave a strong impression on the readers

4. Proofread

When you are done writing your poem, go back and make sure that it is engaging. Then, read it line by line, and all the words make a connection and are according to your theme. You can also send it to your friends and get feedback from them.

How to Write a Short Poem?

A short poem can be even more difficult to write than a longer one. You have fewer words and less space in which you deliver your message to the reader.

Therefore, we gathered some rules that help you in your writing phase.

  • Taking notes in a journal is an excellent way to document your thoughts.
  • Brainstorm words and phrases that will help you to open up the key points in your statement.
  • Read some good poets' work.
  • If you struggle to find the right words for your piece, you should write more than one draft. It will help keep your thoughts organized.
  • Follow the simple structure.
  • Delete every unnecessary word and simplify language to get a clearer idea of the poem's message.
  • You can add suspense by moving things around.
  • A line break can make or break the rhythm of your poem. Read aloud and pause between lines for the effect to find where appropriate, but don't overdo it. The best places to insert breaks are those that create new thoughts in each stanza while making one cohesive piece when read together as a whole.
  • Edit your poem and remove all the mistakes and errors.

Now, you get a complete guide on writing a poem in different genres. However, you still need help, consult MyPerfectWords.com. We offer the best essay writer service at affordable rates.

So, contact us now and get professional essay writing service from our experts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you structure a poem?

Poems can be structured in several ways, from rhyming lines to freeform verse. However, the basic building block is the stanza--a single line that makes up part or all of the poem.

How do you write a short story poem?

The following are the steps you should follow when writing a short poem.

  • Choose the right words.
  • Use poetic devices.
  • Tell a story.
  • Revise it.

How do you begin a poem?

Here are some tips that help you to begin the poem.

  • Start with an attention-grabbing sentence.
  • Use figurative language within the first words.
  • Introduce the character or plot device.

How short can poems be?

Poems can be as long or short and in any number of stanzas. It’s up to you how expansive your poem is. The length of a poem is not indicative of its quality, but rather it depends on how observant you are in your writing process.

How to write a poem that rhymes?

Below are some steps of a rhyming poem.

  1. Brainstorm the poem ideas.
  2. Look around for inspiration.
  3. Create a list of rhyming words.
  4. Select a rhyming scheme.
  5. Start writing.
  6. Proofread and revise it.
Barbara P

WRITTEN BY

Barbara P (Literature, Marketing)

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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