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.
Formal poetry generally follows a set pattern, in rhyme and meter. We commonly place a letter at the end of the last word in each line. Analyzing these patterns is called scansion.
For example if the first two line rhyme with each other, their letters would be AA. If the second set of lines rhyme with each other the rhyme pattern would be AABB. If the fifth line doesn't rhyme a C would be introduced and so on.
Meter is the number of beats in each line. The beat most commonly used is "Iambic pentameter'. Individual beats consist of a short and strong pulse. Words with this beat are arrest, domain, forsooth, etc. The second syllable is accented.
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.
Think of what type of poem you had in mind. Will it be a story, a comment, a character study? It is best to skim through some examples to get you started off. It is also important to take breaks like going for a walk or to bed. When you come back, jot things down. It does not have to be orderly.
It may take many weeks or months to get your poem finished. If your having trouble, take a break. When you come back, carry on from the last line in your poem. You will be delighted at what comes out. - 15252
Formal poetry generally follows a set pattern, in rhyme and meter. We commonly place a letter at the end of the last word in each line. Analyzing these patterns is called scansion.
For example if the first two line rhyme with each other, their letters would be AA. If the second set of lines rhyme with each other the rhyme pattern would be AABB. If the fifth line doesn't rhyme a C would be introduced and so on.
Meter is the number of beats in each line. The beat most commonly used is "Iambic pentameter'. Individual beats consist of a short and strong pulse. Words with this beat are arrest, domain, forsooth, etc. The second syllable is accented.
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.
Think of what type of poem you had in mind. Will it be a story, a comment, a character study? It is best to skim through some examples to get you started off. It is also important to take breaks like going for a walk or to bed. When you come back, jot things down. It does not have to be orderly.
It may take many weeks or months to get your poem finished. If your having trouble, take a break. When you come back, carry on from the last line in your poem. You will be delighted at what comes out. - 15252
