5 Rules to be a Better Poet

There are strict dos or don’ts when it comes to poetry. However, what comes along with all aspects of being creative and writing, is there are some structures that are going to work better than others. When you look at these areas, you can have better control over your writing and bring ideas together more productively. So with that in mind, here are some guidelines for anyone that is looking to take their poetry writing to the next level, or just someone who wishes to be more creative and start something new. 

 

 

 

 

Read a lot of poetry

As many authors will tell you, what makes being a good author is being a good reader. When you read a lot, it can help you to build your imagination and get some amazing ideas. If you read a lot of poetry, then it can help you to do the same. If you want to be a better poet, then read a lot of poems.

 

Listen to live poetry

This is something that isn’t possible at the moment, except online, but when you can, get yourself to a live poetry reading. The whole experience of poetry can be quite musical, and this is something that you will experience when going to a live poetry reading. This is something that can be a lot of fun as well as help with your ideas and creativity if you are an aspiring poet. Sometimes the sounds of poetry can be different when heard, rather than just reading on a page. 

 

Try different poetry styles

There are so many different styles to poetry, and although you may have only tried one style until now, there are other options that you can try. Some poems don’t rhyme, whereas others do. You could try an acrostic poem, focused on a particular theme or topic. You could try writing haiku poetry or storytelling poetry. You never know, you might find a new style that you prefer. 

 

Express big ideas

One of the wonderful things about poetry is that you can express some big ideas and opinions, but put them in a more creative way. This can be to just get something off your mind, or to share a message with others in a completely different way. Take the poem ‘Banish Air from Air’ by Emily Dickinson, as an example. It uses lyrics to express philosophical and political ideas and concepts, but in a different way than you would get from reading a book. 

 

Good poetry is all about the precision of language, and as a result, it allows you to express a view or a philosophy using only a few words. When you choose the right words, then it can be something that is really powerful. 

 

Use tools to help

There are some tools that are essential for any poet. A simple dictionary or thesaurus could be all that you need to finish a poem, as long as you understand what the true and real meaning of each word is so you can still portray the right meaning with your words.