Some people see poetry in everything. If you're not one of them, read on!
Perhaps you found poetry boring at school, maybe you've always had other interests, or perhaps you think poetry is just 'not for you'. Whatever the reasons, here you'll find some useful tips to get started with writing poetry.
Get to know poetry
Start by reading some modern poetry from Wendy Cope, Carol Ann Duffy and Benjamin Zephaniah - you can read it for free - see the useful poetry links to the right. Reading others' poems will help if you want to write your own. Try to work out why some poems and lines stick with you. What do you enjoy about them?
Collect observations
Before you start to write, collect simple observations - a conversation you hear on the bus, a slogan on a billboard, a general reflection. Jot them down, together with other thoughts an feelings. Don't worry about the style - it doesn't even have to make sense yet.
Be mindful
It's easy to take the details of daily living for granted but give attention to what you see and experience. Next time you boil a kettle, really listen to the water bubbling, watch the steam forming into moisture, and think about how you'd describe it. Which words would you choose?
What kind of poem?
What would you like your poem to say? Do you want to tell a story or write a tribute? Will it be a short comment on life, or will you amuse and entertain with a character study? Keep at it. Some famous poets often rewrite one single poem 50 times before they feel that it's goo enough. Practice is the key. Read your poem out loud. Try to keep it simple and cut out words you don't need.
The big emotions
You may want to try a more personal theme, to write about loss, love, war or secret fears. If it feels too personal or painful, try inventing a character who will feel the emotions for you.
My favourite words
Write down four words that you like - perhaps words that bring back sweet memories, or words you enjoy the sound of. Now try to describe what the words mean to you using other single words. For example:
Fudge - thick, sumptuous, buttery, desire
Luggage - comfortable, promising, leathery, escape
Chalk - clean, powdery, smooth, pure, cliffs
Love - warm, happy, red, tough
Now have a go at making a poem using three of the words you've chosen. Good luck!
