How to Write a Poem: A Beginner’s Guide to Unleashing Your Inner Poet

“Without poetry, we lose our way.”

— Joy Harjo, U.S. Poet Laureate & Academy of American Poets Chancellor

Poetry. The very word can evoke a mix of emotions, from admiration and awe to confusion and intimidation. Perhaps you’ve always been fascinated by the power of verse, the way poets weave words to capture profound feelings and paint vivid images. Maybe you’ve scribbled lines in notebooks, feeling a pull towards poetic expression but unsure where to start. You’re not alone. Many feel a connection to poetry, recognizing its unique ability to explore the human experience, yet find the act of writing a poem daunting.

For years, as someone deeply involved in the world of words, I’ve observed this fascinating duality. When I mention I’m a writer, the responses are varied and often avoid the word “poet” initially. Novelist? Journalist? Copywriter? Poetry often seems to be an afterthought, a niche, even slightly intimidating art form. But why is that? Poetry is one of humanity’s oldest and most cherished forms of expression. It’s a way to delve into complex emotions, make insightful observations, and connect with something deeper within ourselves and the world around us. It should be an empowering pursuit, not an intimidating one.

The truth is, many people have preconceived notions about what poetry is and what it isn’t. These ideas often create barriers, making poetry feel inaccessible. If you haven’t explored reading poetry, the thought of writing it can seem like attempting to speak a language you’ve never learned. This guide is designed to be a gentle and encouraging entry point into both reading and writing poems. Think of it as stepping into a space of creative exploration, rather than feeling like you’re back in a high school English class struggling to decipher a complex assignment. Poetry is about opening up, not shutting down.

Poetry: Unpacking the Essence and Embracing the Why

So, what exactly is poetry? And more importantly, why should you even consider writing it? If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions, you’re in good company. Even for those deeply immersed in the world of verse, defining poetry can feel like trying to grasp smoke. My own answer, after years of reading, studying, and teaching poetry, leans towards a blend of playful mystery and practical acceptance: “Who truly knows? And perhaps, it’s best not to worry too much about it.”

The Merriam-Webster dictionary offers a formal definition, describing poetry as:

“writing that formulates a concentrated imaginative awareness of experience in language chosen and arranged to create a specific emotional response through meaning, sound, and rhythm.”

This definition provides a framework, highlighting key elements like emotional resonance, deliberate language, and attention to sound and rhythm. However, poetry transcends rigid definitions. It’s a living, breathing art form that constantly evolves, shapeshifting in form and function. From structured sonnets to free-flowing verse, from concrete imagery to abstract explorations, poetry encompasses a vast spectrum of expression. It’s no wonder we project our own feelings and interpretations onto it.

Matthew Zapruder, in his insightful book Why Poetry, beautifully articulates this common feeling of mystification. He recounts countless conversations where people confess, “I don’t really understand poetry.” This sentiment, echoed by friends, family, and strangers alike, reveals a widespread perception of poetry as something enigmatic and difficult. Zapruder’s book is a valuable guide in demystifying poetry, encouraging readers and aspiring writers to overcome feelings of inadequacy and engage with poems on their own terms. He observes:

“I have a confession to make: I don’t really understand poetry.” For over twenty-five years, I have heard this said, over and over in slightly different ways, by friends, family, colleagues, strangers I met in bars and at dinner parties, on planes—so many people, practically everyone who found out I was a poet. Clearly, there is something about poetry that rattles and mystifies people, that puts them off, that makes them feel as if there is something wrong. Maybe the problem is with them as readers. Maybe they don’t enough or haven’t studied enough or weren’t paying attention in school. Or maybe the problem is with poetry itself. Why don’t poets just say what they mean? Why do they make it so hard?

Zapruder’s words resonate with my own experiences teaching poetry. Often, people’s aversion to poetry stems from negative early encounters – being forced to analyze poems they didn’t connect with, at an age when they lacked the life experience to fully grasp nuanced themes. Poetry becomes associated with arduous, unenjoyable tasks, like deciphering a puzzle with indistinguishable pieces. Memories of dissecting The Canterbury Tales or struggling to construct iambic pentameter in school can overshadow the potential joy and personal connection poetry offers.

The solution? It’s about reframing our perception of poetry. It’s about understanding that poetry is not a monolithic entity, but a diverse and expansive landscape. Thinking you dislike poetry because of a past negative experience is like dismissing all ice cream after tasting one flavor you disliked as a child. Unlocking your potential as a reader and writer of poetry involves discovering your kind of poetry, recognizing that within this vast art form, there are countless voices and styles that will resonate with your unique sensibilities and experiences. Whatever your tastes, whatever your emotional needs, there’s a flavor of poetry waiting to speak directly to you.

Alt text: Abstract, colorful illustration representing the multifaceted and imaginative nature of poetry.

Immerse Yourself: Read Poetry Before You Write It

When I decided to pursue poetry in the mid-90s, opting for an MFA in this seemingly “impractical” field, my grandmother’s question echoed a common sentiment: “Why are you doing this? Can you even teach someone to write poetry? Isn’t that something you either know how to do or you don’t?” There’s a kernel of truth in her question. Poetry is indeed a unique and complex art to teach. It’s not about imparting a fixed set of rules, because poetry itself is characterized by its fluidity and constant evolution. Consider the vast differences between poets like Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, Hanif Abdurraqib, John Keats, Claudia Rankine, Wallace Stevens, Elizabeth Bishop, Nikki Giovanni, John Ashberry, Sylvia Plath, Morgan Parker, and Ada Limon. Their voices, tones, and styles are so distinct it seems almost paradoxical to group them under the single umbrella of “poetry.”

And what constitutes a poem? A concise narrative? A haiku about nature? Abstract wordplay? A visual piece? A feeling, an idea, a fleeting mood? The answer is yes, to all of it. Poetry defies easy categorization. Teaching someone to create something so inherently mutable and ever-expanding might seem impossible. Yet, the desire to write poetry persists, and the journey is worth embarking on.

The most effective way to understand poetry, and ultimately to begin writing it, is to immerse yourself in reading it. Let the rhythms, imagery, and logic of poetry gradually seep into your consciousness. Every reader is unique, and the types of poems that resonate with you will be personal. This is why exploring a wide range of poetry is crucial. It allows you to discover voices and styles that not only feel accessible but also speak to your own experiences as a human being. Unless you’re pursuing a formal literary study of poetry, approaching it solely from a purely academic perspective can be unnecessarily limiting. Instead, think of reading poetry like browsing a vibrant marketplace of flavors. Sample widely, explore different styles, and gravitate towards what ignites your interest and curiosity. There’s no pressure to analyze everything deeply at first; just read and absorb.

To get you started on this exciting exploration, here are a few resources to gently introduce you to the world of poetry and help you find voices that resonate with you:

• Poetry Foundation Website (poetryfoundation.org): A vast online archive of poems, articles, podcasts, and resources. A fantastic place to discover poets and explore different styles.

• Academy of American Poets (poets.org): Another excellent resource with a wide selection of poems, poet biographies, and educational materials.

• Literary Magazines (e.g., Poetry Magazine, The New Yorker Poetry, The Paris Review): These publications showcase contemporary poetry, introducing you to current voices in the field.

• Online Poetry Communities (e.g., Reddit’s r/poetry, AllPoetry.com): Platforms to discover poems, share your own work, and connect with other poetry enthusiasts.

• Local Libraries and Bookstores: Explore poetry anthologies and collections. Ask librarians or booksellers for recommendations based on your interests.

Alt text: Illustration of diverse books stacked unevenly, symbolizing the vast and varied world of poetry literature.

Take the Plunge: Getting Started with Writing Your Own Poems

Once you’ve spent some time exploring different poems and identifying what resonates with you, the most direct way to begin writing poetry is simply to… write a poem. This might sound deceptively simple, but it’s the essential first step. If the blank page feels intimidating, give yourself a gentle nudge. Start by writing about your immediate surroundings, your current feelings, or a recent experience. Look back at poems you’ve enjoyed and consider: How can I approach this? How can I bring my own perspective to a similar form or style?

For several years, I’ve facilitated a poetry workshop in New York City called “Poetry & Photography.” Initially created for photographers seeking to explore poetry as a way to reflect on their visual work, the workshop expanded to include individuals from diverse backgrounds. The core concept – using images as a starting point for poetry – proved to be universally engaging. In our image-saturated world, where we constantly document and are documented through our smartphones, photographs offer a readily accessible and rich source of inspiration for poetic exploration.

While teaching someone to write a “good” poem is subjective and perhaps impossible to quantify, my approach has always been to expose students to a variety of poems each week and then provide them with prompts to spark their own writing. I’ve consistently found that when people focus on the reality of their own lives and infuse their poems with specific sensory details – rather than attempting to tackle abstract concepts like “love” in a generalized way – their work becomes more vibrant, authentic, and compelling. With this in mind, here are some prompts, inspired by the “Poetry & Photography” workshop, to jumpstart your own poetry writing journey:

Prompt 1: “Response to a Photograph”

Begin a poem by describing a photograph you possess – it could be a physical print or a digital image. Delve into the memories, emotions, or personal significance the photograph holds for you. What stories does it whisper? What feelings does it evoke?

For Inspiration: Read Natasha Trethewey’s “History Lesson,” a powerful example of a poem rooted in a photograph and personal history.

Expanding on Prompt 1:

• Consider the details within the photograph – colors, light, composition, objects, people.
• Explore the gap between the frozen moment in the photo and the ongoing flow of time and memory.
• Think about your relationship to the photograph – why did you keep it? What does it mean to you now?

Prompt 2: “Moment of Capture”

Select one of your own photographs and try to recreate the moment you took it through poetry. Describe what was happening with you, the photographer, at that specific instant. What motivated you to capture that image? What was unique or compelling about that particular moment that demanded documentation? Your poem should act as a companion to the photo – a poetic explanation of its creation.

For Inspiration: Look for poems that capture fleeting moments and sensory details. Poets like Mary Oliver often excel at this.

Expanding on Prompt 2:

• Focus on sensory details – what did you see, hear, smell, feel, taste (if applicable) at that moment?
• Explore your internal state – what were you thinking or feeling as you raised your camera?
• Consider the element of chance or intention in capturing the photograph.

Prompt 3: “Landscape Immersion”

Choose one of your landscape photographs and write a poem that immerses the reader in that place. Concentrate on detailed descriptions of the physical environment. Instead of adding extensive commentary or personal reflection, focus on conveying the tangible details of the landscape, creating a vivid image for someone who hasn’t seen the photograph itself. Use evocative language to bring the scene to life.

For Inspiration: Explore landscape poetry by poets like William Wordsworth or Gary Snyder, paying attention to their use of imagery and sensory language.

Expanding on Prompt 3:

• Use strong verbs and vivid adjectives to paint a detailed picture of the landscape.
• Pay attention to light, shadow, texture, and atmosphere.
• Consider incorporating elements of nature – plants, animals, weather, terrain.

Prompt 4: “Ode to the Everyday”

Inspired by Sharon Olds’ collection Odes, write a poem celebrating something seemingly ordinary. It could be an object, a daily routine, a person you encounter regularly, or even an abstract idea you want to honor. An ode is a lyrical address to a particular subject, expressing praise and appreciation.

For Inspiration: Read examples from Sharon Olds’ Odes to understand her approach to celebrating everyday subjects with poetic reverence.

Expanding on Prompt 4:

• Choose a subject that you genuinely appreciate or find interesting, even if it seems mundane.

• Use figurative language – metaphors, similes, personification – to elevate your subject and reveal its hidden beauty or significance.

• Express your personal connection to the subject and why it deserves celebration.

Alt text: Close-up shot of hands writing in a notebook, emphasizing the personal and intimate act of poetry writing.

Experiment and Explore: Playing with Poetic Forms

Sonnets, haikus, sestinas, odes, elegies – these poetic forms have rich histories and can be incredibly beautiful and powerful. However, when starting to write poetry, you don’t need to feel constrained by them (unless you’re drawn to them!). Many aspiring poets mistakenly believe they must adhere to traditional forms to write “real” poetry. It’s often a liberating realization for them to understand that, like any art form, poetry at its core is about creative freedom. Ultimately, there are no rigid rules, and you have the liberty to experiment and create in ways that feel authentic to you.

While you should never feel bound by outdated rules, experimenting with poetic forms can actually be a valuable way to understand poetry from the inside out. Writing a sonnet, for instance, can deepen your appreciation for its structure and rhythm. Some writers find that having a framework to work within is less daunting than facing complete creative open-endedness. My advice is to try out different forms – perhaps write a few haikus or explore free verse – and also don’t hesitate to emulate the shapes and styles of poems you admire. As your poetry practice develops, imitation naturally gives way to your unique voice and style, often sooner than you might expect.

One particularly engaging assignment I’ve given my students involves writing contemporary odes, inspired by Sharon Olds’ work. The prompt is simple: write a poem in celebration of something. This open-ended prompt encourages personal expression and allows for a wide range of interpretations and styles.

Another fruitful avenue for exploration is using found images as prompts. Because we are often overly self-conscious, working with images that are detached from our personal history and context can be surprisingly effective in sparking unexpected insights and memories. Found images can trigger unforeseen associations and connections, providing rich material for poetry. Using a found photograph as a prompt, you can write an ode to a person, place, thing, or idea that arises from your interaction with the image.

Embrace the Journey: There’s No “Wrong” Way to Write a Poem

One of the wonderfully paradoxical aspects of poetry is that it’s both steeped in historical conventions and ultimately unbound by them. In my workshops, students often express anxieties like, “I don’t know if I’m doing this right,” or “I wrote something, but I’m not sure if it’s actually a poem.” My response is always consistent: There’s no “wrong” way to approach poetry. If you’ve written something and you call it a poem – then it is a poem. In my experience, the true measure of a poem’s success lies not in its adherence to external rules, but in its impact – how it makes you, the writer and potentially the reader, feel. While skillful wordplay, inventive metaphors, and lyrical brilliance are certainly admirable qualities in poetry, they are secondary to the poem’s ability to convey a meaningful idea, evoke a genuine emotion, or hint at a deeper truth.

A crucial piece of advice for writing, especially for poetry, is to write as if no one else will ever read your words. Release the pressure of external judgment – forget about what your family, friends, or potential readers might think. Whether you choose to share your work later is a separate decision. What truly matters is the personal process of writing poetry – its value as a form of meditation, as a way to make sense of your experiences, as a sounding board for your inner thoughts and emotions. For me, poetry has served all these purposes at various times. The key to any form of creative writing is to quiet the inner critic, silence the negative voices that tell you your stories or ideas are insignificant, disregard arbitrary rules, and truly listen to your own authentic voice. Poetry, perhaps more powerfully than any other literary art, offers a unique avenue for giving voice to the deepest parts of ourselves. This is an empowering and transformative experience that should be accessible to everyone.

About the Author

T. Cole Rachel

Poet, Writer, Editor, Teacher

T. Cole Rachel is a writer, editor, and teacher based in New York City. His work has appeared in Interview, The FADER, The New York Times Magazine, OUT, and Stereogum. He is a regular contributor to Pitchfork and has served as a Contributing Editor at both V Magazine and Interview. He teaches a recurring poetry workshop, Poetry & Photography, at SSHH in New York City. His books include Surviving the Moment of Impact and Bend Don’t Shatter. He is currently Senior Editor at The Creative Independent.