Is there something I should know before writing poems?

Question

Most of my poems are dark... I'd rather not have you guys read them :-P

Answer 1

Before you start writing poems, you should read a lot of poems. Anybody who's interested in writing good poetry should take the time to read poetry written by poets who are alive today -- they do exist!

Check out www.poetrydaily.org. They post a new poem every day, mostly by living poets, and they also have a large archive. Surf around on there and find a few poets you like. Read their work slowly and closely. And read it out loud! Poetry is meant to be read aloud.

After a whole bunch of reading, _then_ try writing.

And don't worry about other poets "influencing" the way you write. Many beginning writers worry that if they read "too much," they'll start to sound like some other writer, and not like themselves. This is nonsense. There is no such thing as reading "too much" if you want to be a writer! Plus, being "influenced" by existing poets and sounding a little bit like them is actually a GOOD thing -- it shows that you're understanding the poems you're reading. It shows that you're really learning how to write poetry. Keep writing long enough, and you'll find that you shake off the most obvious characteristics of your "influences," and you'll develop a writing voice and style that's all your own.

Now get readin'!

Good luck.

Answer 2

It's how you let out your feelings...the possibilities are endless.

That's what makes poetry beautiful and sad.

Answer 3

Intution.

Answer 4

To write a good poem, you must ( not always ) have image, emotion,thought. A love of language helps. Some poets I recommend are Galway Kinnell, Sylvia Plath. There are so many! I suggest you read poems -agood anthology would help.

Answer 5

Poems are of the heart, the spirt, the sadness.

They can be silly.

"Roses"

Roses are gray,

Violets are gray.

But that is because I am colorblind.

Thoughtful

"Alone"

If ever you find yourself alone,

Look around,

If you see you there,

Then you are not alone.

With wonderment.

"She Smiled at Me"

She smiled at me,

I looked around,

There was not one else.

She smiled at me,

My heart sailed,

Halfway round the world.

She smiled at me,

She was young,

and beautiful.

She smiled at me,

We held hands

down along the beach.

She smiled at me,

We kissed,

We made love.

She smiled at me.

And some poems just point out facts.

"The fate of myself and my fellow man"

I,

Die.

All the above poems copyright 1968-1973, by Richard Williams, all rights reserved.  Permission granted Yahoo, Inc.

Answer 6

"Hi!",

Short, sweet but vibrant,

Lovely poem

WELL DONE!  : )

Answer 7

Yes. Don't listen to anything or anyone, just let the words flow. We are all poets, I believe, and there is so much beauty in this form of expression. I hope I get to read some of your poems.

edit: ...and what is so wrong with "dark" poems? Of course, the poet is the one who decides....

edit2: thank you for sharing your poem. :)

Answer 8

I like the deep dark stuff Laff, please share it.

Answer 9

Write what you feel,straight from the heart.

Pen on Paper,you may start.

Be It Sad or Be It Blue,

Let The Words ,

Just Flow Right Through.

Some Things You'll Feel,

Aren't quite right,

So Listen to your Rhythms,

Not every Word doth have to Rhyme.

Nor Indeed make sense.

When you are Happy with It,

Ti's Then You can Commence!