How to Start Writing Your Own Poems

Ever wanted to craft your own poems? You’ve felt the pull of the words but weren’t sure how to arrange them into something poetic and meaningful? Poetry is the format where emotions and creativity come together. It is where you can express yourself in ways that are unique and sometimes wonderful.

Practice Your Creativity and Imagination

So, how can you actually get started with writing poems? It begins imagination, with fantasy. But to actually start, you may need to practice this “skill” of opening up your creativity. First, simply read a variety of poems. Read all kinds of poems. The more you read, the more you’ll start to get a feel for what resonates with you. It could be funny limericks to thought-provoking verses. Each poem will give you a bit of a new perspective on how words can be used to create something powerful.

Words as Colors: Crafting Your Own Poem

Once you've read a bit and decide you'd like to begin, start with what inspires and moves you. Maybe it's a quiet afternoon spent in the park, listening to a magnificent piece of music, the feeling of rain on your face, or a random memory from childhood. These moments can spark your creativity.

With poetry, there are no set rules. Usually you will have consistent rhythm and rhyme, but you are actually free to break this pattern as you please. It comes down to how how you see the world; how you feel about something. You are the artist and the words are kind of like paint. Each word or phrase helps create a picture or a feeling in the reader’s mind. Have no worries about doing it "right." Poetry is a reflection of your own personal universe and how you choose to express it to the world.

Let the Poem Flow

Just start writing. Jot down images or feelings that come to mind. Describe them with the intention of communicating that image or feeling to someone else. Just get the ideas out. Experiment with how the words sound together. Then see if there can be or should be a rhythm and rhyme to hold it together structurally. If you wish, just “paint” those images with words. It doesn’t have to be a perfectly polished piece, especially in the beginning. It’s more about the practice of the process than the final product.

Writing poetry is an adventure where you’ll discover new ways to play with language, and over time, your style will evolve.

Enjoy the Journey

Writing poetry should be enjoyable and satisfying. It’s like taking a wander without knowing exactly where you’ll end up. Sometimes it’s surprising, sometimes it’s messy. But it’s your journey, no matter what. Who knows where your imagination will take you?