How to Write Poetry

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by: CarrieHull
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Current, the 'free verse' style of poetry is the most popular. In the late 19th century, Walt Whitman is credited with originating the form. Before his time, poetry was restricted to certain rhyming schemes and forms.

Scansion is the analyzing of pattern, rhyme and meter in formal poetry. Commonly, a letter is placed at the end of the last word in each line. Usually starting with A then B and so on....

If the first two lines rhyme with each other, we would place an A at the end of each line. If the third and fourth line rhyme with each other but not the first two, we would place a B at the end of each. The pattern would be AABB. If the fifth line rhymes with either, we would place an A, or B appropriately. If it does not rhyme, a C would be used.

Next, we are concerned with meter. Each line contains a set number of beats, usually two or three syllables. The most common beat is 'Iambic pentameter'. The individual beats consist of a short and a strong pulse. This beat is present in words such as 'arrest, domain, forsooth'. The accent is on the second syllable.

Enough of the rules already, let's get to the fun stuff. When you tell stories or write letters what do you start with? Something you overheard, witnessed, or read about? The best way to start a poem is to begin with what you're most comfortable with.

What kind of poem are you going to write? Would you like to do a character study or a story? The best thing to do is go through some examples. This will give you some ideas. Don't worry if you get a "writer's block." The best way to get past it is to take a break and come back the next day. Keep a pen and paper with you, something may come to you if your out.

Work on your poem for many weeks and take the last line of one of your poem and carry on from there, ignoring entirely what you drafted before. You will be surprised at what you are able to accomplish. Get writing!

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