The Secret of Writing Poetry

This past weekend I had the joy of facilitating a Women’s Circle for women over 60. The focus of the 2-hour event was “Calling Forth the Poet Within.” The participants lit up as they tapped into the hidden poet inside of them. It was especially fun when I gave them prompts to write about significant memories. The most popular prompt was to write a poem starting with, “I Want.” Oh, did the ladies have fun with that one! There was laughter, surprise and even a few tears.

Poetry is the voice of the soul. Reading and writing poetry is not only fun, but it can be healing. I truly believe that each of us carries a poet’s spirit within – we simply need a little inspiration and permission to let it emerge.

April is National Poetry Month

In celebration of April as National Poetry Month, why not gift yourself a poetry writing practice? One beautiful way to begin is to read, allowing yourself to become inspired. You can begin by reading anthologies to see which poets resonate with you and then get books by them.

For example, check out an anthology I co-edited last year called Women in a Golden State: California Poets 60 and Beyond, available from Gunpowder Press or wherever you buy books. It’s a celebration of voices that have ripened with experience and wisdom.

You can also check out YouTube to hear poets recite poems. Poetry is one of the oldest art forms and is, in fact, an oral art form. If you’re wondering where to begin, here are a few poets whose work speaks beautifully to life, again, and the human experience: Billy Collins, Mary Oliver, Joy Harjo, Ada Limon, Ann Lamott, Sharon Olds, and Mary Shihab Nye, as starters.

Types of Poems

There are many types of poetic forms, but these are the easiest to start with:

List poems – Organizes a collection of items, images, or ideas usually around a theme.

Ekphrastic poems – Vividly describe or respond to a piece of art.

Prose poems – Combine intense imagery and rhythmic elements of a poem in paragraph form.

Free verse poems follow no fixed rules, allowing creative freedom and imagery. It’s probably the easiest form for beginning poets.

Haiku – a 3-line poem of 5/7/5 syllables that typically captures a moment in nature or in human life. Note: the syllable breakdown is flexible.

How to Start Writing

Make sure you have a journal to gently explore your thoughts and feelings. This way you can figure out what’s important to you at this time. Then highlight words or phrases that resonate with you and start writing poems about them. If you need a little nudge, then try these prompts:

• Write a poem beginning with, “I remember.”
• Write a poem about your first love.
• Write a poem about a song that resonates with you.
• Write a poem about a smell that brings back memories.
• Write a poem about a significant event.

10 Secrets to Writing Poetry

• Remember that poetry is succinct. Use essential words.
• Start with a feeling, idea, image, or observation… something that evokes emotion.
• Show, don’t tell.
• Embrace simplicity.
• Pay attention to rhythm.
• Write from your truth.
• Use all your senses.
• Use metaphor and symbolism.
• Read aloud to edit.
• Revise and revise again.

In general, there is no wrong way to write poetry. Give yourself permission to begin – right where you are. Like any practice, it’s a good idea to write every day at the same time, but most importantly, let it be a joyful and meaningful ritual that nourishes your spirit!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you read or write poetry? What is your favorite style? Any poets you love to read/hear?