The most popular style of our time is the 'free verse' style. This form originated in the late 19th century, with Walt Whitman being credited for it. Before this form was introduced, poetry was restricted to certain form.
Formal poetry generally follows a set pattern, in rhyme and meter. We commonly place a letter at the end of the last word in each line. Analyzing these patterns is called scansion.
Using letter to signify the rhymes is a great way to determine the pattern. If line one and two rhyme, an A would be placed beside them. If line three and four rhyme with each other but not one and two, we would place B's beside them. The pattern would be AABB. If line 5 rhymes with either, an A or B would be used. If it does not phyme, we would use a C.
The number of beats in each line is called the meter. "Iambic pentameter" is the most commonly used. Words with this type of beat consist of a short pulse followed by a strong pulse. Examples would be arrest, domain, forsooth, etc. The accent is on the second syllable.
OK, enough rules and on to the fun stuff. What do you start with when you tell stories or write letters? Do you begin with something you overheard? Witnessed? Read About? Start with what you are comfortable with, that's the best way to start.
What type of poem did you have in mind? A Story? A comment? Or could it be a character study? Go through some examples to help get you started off on the right foot. It is common to get what is called "writer's block". If this happens, take a break, or come back to it the next day. If your out and something comes to you, jot it down.
It may take many weeks or months to get your poem finished. If your having trouble, take a break. When you come back, carry on from the last line in your poem. You will be delighted at what comes out.
Formal poetry generally follows a set pattern, in rhyme and meter. We commonly place a letter at the end of the last word in each line. Analyzing these patterns is called scansion.
Using letter to signify the rhymes is a great way to determine the pattern. If line one and two rhyme, an A would be placed beside them. If line three and four rhyme with each other but not one and two, we would place B's beside them. The pattern would be AABB. If line 5 rhymes with either, an A or B would be used. If it does not phyme, we would use a C.
The number of beats in each line is called the meter. "Iambic pentameter" is the most commonly used. Words with this type of beat consist of a short pulse followed by a strong pulse. Examples would be arrest, domain, forsooth, etc. The accent is on the second syllable.
OK, enough rules and on to the fun stuff. What do you start with when you tell stories or write letters? Do you begin with something you overheard? Witnessed? Read About? Start with what you are comfortable with, that's the best way to start.
What type of poem did you have in mind? A Story? A comment? Or could it be a character study? Go through some examples to help get you started off on the right foot. It is common to get what is called "writer's block". If this happens, take a break, or come back to it the next day. If your out and something comes to you, jot it down.
It may take many weeks or months to get your poem finished. If your having trouble, take a break. When you come back, carry on from the last line in your poem. You will be delighted at what comes out.
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