Punctuation in poetry?

Question

I know all poetry does not need punctuation, and it is largely up the poet whether or not to include punctuation, but I'm wondering what is kind of the "standard" or commonly used forms of punctuation in poetry?

Sort of what I have in mind is the comma, semicolon, and dash...is one better to use than the other in a particular part of a poem?

Answer 1

Let me answer with an example. Here's a fragment of a poem I found somewhere, and it uses punctuation well, I think. I'm marking the lines using numbers.

1. That Force, then, is everywhere; no Eyes it needs to be seen --

2. That Force will follow every Way we go, that Force knows where we've been.

(Stanza break)



3. Much we have seen, you and I, each in the Gaze of the other's Eyes.

4. Much we have thought, each about the other, in the highest Way.

5. Much has been spoken, much just seen, much heard in soulful Sighs --

6. Yes, sweet One, the Flower of our Love has had a joyous Day.

Line 1: After "everywhere," there's a semi-colon and not a comma because a potentially complete sentence precedes it, and a larger pause than a comma is needed. The dash at the end indicates that something rather related will follow.

Line 2:

I suppose a semi-colon would have done just as well as the comma, but the comma somehow makes it seem more poetic, if you know what I mean -- basically, it's about meter here. It depends on the way you recite it. Remember that much of punctuation "rules" for poetry depend on how it is to be recited.

Line 3:

The period is for dramatic effect.

Line 4: Same as above.

Line 5: The three breaks -- comma, comma, dash -- are for the three instances of "much," of course. The dash, again, creates anticipation of an explanation or elaboration, which comes in the next line.

I could sum it up this way: write the poem with the meter you intend, cut down or add syllables to make it sound "proper," and then see where the pauses come in. The dash adds anticipation, of course; the comma is obvious; and what's not very clear is the semi-colon, which can sometimes be replaced by a dash. It sort of breaks the flow a bit, so if you don't want that, you might want to use a comma.

Feel free to e-mail me some examples -- and I'll tell you what sounds best to my ears.

Answer 2

There is no single standard punctuation mark for poetry - different marks serve different purposes. The comma separates similar ideas, sets off a subordinate clause, or indicates a pause. A semicolon links two complete sentences that are not directly related, but connected in the mind of the author. A dash sets off a thought in a way that gives it greater emphasis.

Punctuation should never be haphazard - it's a powerful tool that clarifies and enhances the meaning of the words. If you are choosing not to use it, you need to have a reason.

Answer 3

I use commas to slow the reader, to create a pause.

I use semi-colons to take the place of conjunctions that makes for an unappealingly long sentence.

For instance:

His eyes were filled with sadness,

a lifetime of sorrow

dried tears never wept;

gray as overcast skies.

I use a line of periods  . . . .

in place of dashes - - - -

and it's good not to use

them too frequently;

no more than twice in any poem

if the poem is lengthy.

Answer 4

She opens her hands to oppressed people and stretches them out to needy people.