Making Your Poetry Better
How do you know if you are writing bad poetry?
How do you know if your poetry is any good?
‘Because my mom says so’ is not a satisfactory answer. It’s a mistake to think of poetry as easy money, or a road to fame. Poets are typically poor and underappreciated. The title will lose its glamour pretty quick when you get that five dollar check for a your “masterpiece”.
If you respected the art of arranging words on a page, you would want to become better at your craft. The first step is to know good poetry from bad poetry. How do you know which category your work is in? Well, you might be a bad poet if…
You Already Think You’re a Good (Or Even A Great) Poet
Ernest Hemingway said that writing is a craft without a master. In other words, writing, like other art forms, depends on continuous growth. The greatest poets in history constantly developed new literary concepts, even to their last breath.
A bad poet says “I have a “gift’ and leaves it at that. The problem with the word “gift” is that it implies that talent is just handed to you. Having a “gift” doesn’t exempt you from having to work on your skill.
You Write About the Same Subject
Yes, we get it. Your heart is broken, you’re in love, God is Great, we’re all headed for the six foot drop- why do novice poets all write about the same things?
It is because they don’t read poetry. People who don’t read poetry think it is only about lofty subjects. In writing about these topics, they are trying to achieve depth.
Poetry is more subtle- it uses metaphors and symbolism to express ideas. Langston Hughes uses rivers as a metaphor for history, Allen Ginsberg uses the the term “Moloch” (a biblical idol or a sacrifice in fire) to reference the way people sacrifice themselves to conformity.
Williams’ “The Red Wheelbarrow” is not just about a wheelbarrow. Ginsberg”s “A Supermarket in California” is not about grocery shopping. And Emily Dickinson’s “Wild Nights!Wild Nights!” is not about an evening thunderstorm. Poetry tells the truth- but it tells it slant.
You Are Imitating Someone Else
Nothing you ever do should be a cliche. Imitating another poet is a great exercise for developing voice, but don’t make it a habit.
You Have One Draft
Here’s how people think it works: the poet is walking down a flower lined path when inspiration strikes. They flee to their darkened tower to sit by the window and meditate. Finally, when the Voice of the Muse is at its right pitch, they sit down and write the beautiful words in one lovely screed. Afterward, they smoke a pipe and watch the royalties roll in.
Here’s how it happens: the poet sits at a kitchen table (sticky with pancake syrup). The baby is taking a nap and this is the only time to write. The poet stares at the blinking cursor (or a blank sheet of paper, depending on the age of the poet) and can’t think of anything. Finally, they get something, but it sucks, so they do a second draft. Then a third. Finally, they submit their work to an editor, who rejects the piece. The poet revises, submits elsewhere, is rejected. Finally, someone accepts the poem and pays the poet ten dollars and a contributor’s copy.
It took Marianne Moore thirty years to write one of her poems. Emily Dickinson revised hers constantly and published once in her lifetime. Poetry is not an exact science. How can anyone get it right in single draft?
Your Poems are ‘Cute’
Poetry that could be embroidered on a pillow at your Grandma’s house should not be submitted to literary magazines. Church, maybe. It isn’t just snobbery or elitism to say this. Poetry has a real effect. It makes you sad. It makes you happy. It makes you angry.The best poems elicit more than a simple “Aww, how nice” from their readers.
Liked it
Tags: poetry, writer's life, Writing
Click the icon to the left to subscribe to Writinghood with your favorite RSS reader.
- Just a Love Note
- I'm Sorry Triond...but There's Someone Else
- Addicted to Triond?
- Is It Wise to Keep Writing for Writing Sites?
- Triond is Online Writing with Training Wheels
- Painting Pictures With Words
- My Triond Writing Experience
- A Writing Sabbatical
- The Tipping Point: Why Triond is Going Nowhere
- The Role of The Blog
January 6th, 2009 at 5:06 am
Nice work, great idea.
January 6th, 2009 at 9:06 am
As someone who writes poetry, I completely agree with everything written. It takes me months of revising to get a poem that I am willing to share with others. As I am a novice, it is good to know that it is okay.
January 6th, 2009 at 10:33 am
This is a great article. I most admit I’m just beginning to really read poetry. I’ve read some in school but never really analyzed them or payed attention to how it is done by successful poets.However, it is never too late , I’m reading paying attention now.
January 6th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Hi, Stephanie, thanks for the encouraging words, we certainly need to dig more into the depths and past of poetry to appreciate the good stuff. Thanks for sharing.
January 6th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Thanks for the tips, but i still dont know if my poems are any good. People leave comments and i am happy with that. It takes me around 5 minutes to type a poem, I really dont know where the words come from. when its quiet and the house is asleep it just comes.
thank you
keep writing……
January 6th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
thanks for the ideas!
January 6th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Very true words.
January 6th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Great points well made. My wife is a published poet. We have enough poetry on our shelves and bathrooms to make a grown man weep. I would toss Charles Simic into your list. He wrote of gorging himself on ripe tomatoes in the bathtub – as his mother didn’t want him to make a mess. These are the images poetry leaves on the reader.
Anyway, three cheers for you.
January 6th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
I am a bad poet: I say “I have a “gift’ and Im leaving it at that.”
Nice article with good points!
January 6th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
I like what you have to say here. Makes good since to me.
January 6th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Writing is a craft, and poetry is sure no different. Prose gives me more trouble than poetry as a rule; but that depends on whether I’m writing free verse or adhering to a traditional form. Writing good poetry takes practice. I loved the imagery of the sticky table and and napping baby. It’s no mystery that women in their child-rearing years have a hard time getting a chance to write stuff down. Don’t sell inspiration short–some good poetry is written in the emotion of the moment. Great poetry gets revise after inspiration has cooled off.
January 6th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Writing is hardwork…poetic or not.
Thanks for sharing.
January 7th, 2009 at 12:30 am
Excellent tips. Thank you.
Monica.
January 7th, 2009 at 1:39 am
Good article!
January 7th, 2009 at 6:04 am
Thank you for this! These are some really good tips.
January 7th, 2009 at 6:51 am
I agree that composing verse can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to this art form but, if there’s one thing that really matters, it’s the painting of the picture through the use of different words. Sight, smell, and touch should always be in the mind of the poet when he/she writes.
Informative article which should be remembered.
January 7th, 2009 at 8:08 am
There was a time i dabbled in poetry which i know don’t make me a poet but there was one poem i wrote about my husband and how i felt about him. Sadly my daughter published this poem on Helium under her name (with my permission) well, somewhat lol. I love poetry and I think you have covered all the points of a good poet in this article.Excellent article with very good points for the up and coming “poet”
January 7th, 2009 at 9:43 am
Being a poet is very difficult. It is much easier to be someone who writes poems.
January 7th, 2009 at 9:59 am
I have to chuckle… not at the article, but at the comments. I can plainly tell that not one of those people above have taken anything you’ve said to heart.
Another really good way to tell if your poetry is good or not, is to ask me.
January 7th, 2009 at 10:41 am
you are right on the money
January 7th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Thanks Stephanie… Like I didn’t doubt my own “poetic prowess” enough already!!! Seriously though good points! I shall endeavor to aspire to greatness some day soon… Maybe… Bye for now, Tom
January 7th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
An excellent article, it is very to the point and realistic without taking away from the mystery of good poetry.
January 7th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Sometimes the words do come all at once but usually cry for revsion later on. I agree with what you say, but think that occasionally a poem may be written at once just as a story or essa might. In our songbook at church there is a song tha the author wrote in 15 minutes, and the song is wonderful. I just can’t remember the name of it off hand to tell you what it is.
Damon D. Brewer aka Johny Yuma
January 7th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
I agree that poetry should incorporate the five senses and the poet should paint a picture as a great artist would.Tickle the imagination of the lovers of poetry and attract the attention of the casual reader.
January 7th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Thank you for the advice. It helps
check out my stuff?
January 8th, 2009 at 12:36 am
Good tips, I have never got the courage to publish any poetry..
January 8th, 2009 at 1:50 am
I want 10 bucks. hahaha.
January 8th, 2009 at 3:04 am
Would you like to see my poetry then you will value my work including to bad poetry or good poetry?
January 8th, 2009 at 6:32 am
Thanks for the reminders.
January 8th, 2009 at 9:04 am
Nice one, which added to my confidence now…. I’m trying to add shine to my poems most of the time
January 8th, 2009 at 11:29 am
This was a good article and an excellent wake up to any beginner or would-be poet.
I only have a couple poems on here but must say that I will probably always write rhyming poetry. I like the discipline m of it and to be honest, cannot understand what differentiates free form poetry from a short story, other than accenting different words. Perhaps this is a topic you would care to tackle some time.
Please keep up the excellent articles. As you can see, many of us benefit.
Doc
January 8th, 2009 at 11:30 am
Nice! I really like what you wrote. I just wish I could write poetry. Poetry is amazing but i can’t write it. I’ve written one thing and it truely sucks
January 8th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Great article!
January 8th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
You were so on target, that is why it is always important to obtain feed back. I am glad you clarified some things for me. It is always a learning experience whenever I read anyone work, whether it is an article or poetry.
January 8th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Stephanie thanks so much for your information. Its what I needed to hear.
I write for enjoyment I have not idea if it will ever be famous but its good to know what the difference is.
January 8th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
Great advice,though I believe many of us don’t consider ourselves great.I’m looking for all the pointers I can acquire.
Thanks for such a needed article.
January 9th, 2009 at 5:42 am
Nice… now I’m not sure about my poems LOL!
January 9th, 2009 at 9:36 am
Great write up! A lot of what you said is also true for writing stories or books. There is a lot of revision that happens. Be your own voice.
It would be neat to have a critique area on Triond for poems and stories before you submit them. There are a lot of us who are giving this writing thing a try for the first time or first time in a long time – critiquing would be a great way to learn.
I appreciate this type of article. Two thumbs up!
–Dendro
January 9th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
I love this article. Every you said is well stated. I agree with the points you make here.
Take Care,
Joanna Maharis
January 9th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Excellent. This is a well thought out well presented article
January 9th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
I believe that any poem that moves me is good.I feel that I know a good poem when I read it but it is more difficult to tell about your own work.I struggle over my poetry and when I have the feeling it’s the best I can do I leave it and go back to it weeks later. Often I do rewrite it then. You have some very good points and the advise is well taken.
January 9th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
Drew – you cheeky devil you – j
January 9th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Good points. I am an aspiring writer, of prose and poetry, but I’m such a perfectionist that I hardly ever let anyone see what I’ve written for fear of rejection. I’ve posted one article and one poem on here in the last year if that tells you anything. Any suggestions for a diehard perfectionist? Everything I read always sounds so much better than anything I write.
January 10th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
You have made so many good points with this article. I work hard on my poetry now and I feel I have been producing some good work, but it’s not straight from the Muse to the page – I ‘ve got a lot of my own conscious input there too.
When I go back and look at some earlier stuff that I used to think was good, I cringe. Good parts perhaps, but in need of much work.
And when I read some of the poetry on the internet, with ‘nice’ comments – I think – not bad for a first draft – needs more work. I hope your article here might make some of these poets work a bit harder at their craft. Everyone will benefit – writers and readers both.
January 10th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
i would appreciate you looking at mine and tell me what you think x i’m new to this site been on here 2 weeks haven’t made any freinds yetx
January 10th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
While you make some good points, your assumption is that everyone writes poetry witht the same motive, and according to existing forms taught in school. Of course this means the definition of poetry is yours, and of course others in the same think tank as you. Your view point on this is fine, but in the arts, no single individual can frame something as right or wrong. Art is a subjective field which has always yielded to the “author’s” right to creative expression, which includes inventing new parameters of “form” for poetry and other writing as well. Each area of the arts has had its revolutionary thinker’s. We need to encourage people to communicate. Too often feelings of all kinds are kept wrapped up tight because of some uptight teacher who smacks the hand of a student who doesn’t write perfect yet, or goes outside “their” bounds. Let people talk, and who cares if they fit your ideal mold of a poet. I want people to express. I understand there are control freaks in all fields, profession’s in life who think they are the standard bearer’s for that field or profession, but give it up and don’t assume everyone is trying to be like you. Okay, now I have said nore than enough. I only hope you have taken this in the way intended. It was not intended in scolding fashion, but for thought. Thanks! Communicate your hearts people, first and foremost.
January 10th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Yes, we get it. Your heart is broken, you’re in love, God is Great, we’re all headed for the six foot drop- why do novice poets all write about the same things?
Wow! sounds kind of arrogant: Trivialize some of the most profound things in people’s lives. God is not suited for poetry? I don’t see how it gets old with such a deep subject in so many people’s hearts. You will have us believe the “real” poets don’t write about these things. Enough said, let the “little” people hear.
January 10th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
I have never thought of some of the articles I had written were poetry. However once it has been published I see how it can be. To me it was just experiencing a deep loss and how I felt about it.
Yet when I go back and read it I can see how it can be.
January 10th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
To freespeech:
I am sorry if you think that passage came across as arrogant. But if you please re-read that part, I did ever not say that God was not suitable subject for poetry did I? I said poetry tells the truth but tells it slant.That’s more subtle. I did not say avoid those topics.
Nor did I ever say anything about ‘real’ poets.
It’s ironic for a person called freespeech to put words in people’s mouths.
January 11th, 2009 at 2:56 am
Very useful information. Thanks!
January 11th, 2009 at 3:01 am
Thanks a lot for these great tips. Am gonna bear these in mind when writing my next piece.
January 11th, 2009 at 3:39 am
Great ideas.
January 11th, 2009 at 4:27 am
a very good idea. this is really helpful especially for beginners like me.. thank you for sharing….
January 11th, 2009 at 5:54 am
I like this article and I like the comments! Doc made a good point too but I like your rebuttal!
With all these points given everyone should post their writings and, as aspiring writers, should have the mind to revisit his works and make revisions as I’m sure Stephanie and many other friends here at triond will be glad to give us their constructive criticisms! Am I right? Thanks for a good read!
January 11th, 2009 at 8:50 am
This is informative especially for me who often wonders.”Well i like my poems, but what if they really suck?” lol. An eye-opener. Thanks.
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:52 am
Thanks for the tips! Going to write now…
January 25th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
I could have sworn I left a comment here. Must have been deleted. Wow, that’s a first.
January 25th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Yes, Lauren, that is odd. One of my comments is missing,too.
It must have been the page makeover…
January 27th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
I write poems. They take me hours and I’m always changing lines here and there, I’m never happy if they lack intelligence. I hate love poems lol. I love war poems. Wilfred Owen is great. My audience are always amazed at my work.. But I’m still not satisfied as they are usually 17yr olds’ who can’t quote one line from Shakespeare. Hahaha ohh mayte.
January 30th, 2009 at 12:21 am
Hi, Stephanie, I’ve been meaning to check out your work after seeing some of your comments and I also love your user image! I came across this article title somewhere and was excited to see your name. Your article is helpful for me as I have little experience and appreciation for poetry, but I’m trying
I will bookmark it and digg it. Brian
January 31st, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Wow, I may never publish another poem again. It’s difficult to write poetry, but even more difficult to put it out there for everyone else to see. You’ve made some good points.
January 31st, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Joni, don’t ever stop publishing poetry!
The point of this article is that a writier should always strive to do their best.Writing is not about the writer-it’s about the reader.
Everyone has what it takes to write awesome poetry but it takes effort- putting ideas into words to invoke images and emotions in someone else’s head is not easy. Publishing on Triond is great, because it allows the writer to gauge the reactions of readers.
February 24th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
very good points! thanks!
May 13th, 2009 at 12:17 am
Me, I’m tired of this is good, excellent, beautiful. Are they real? How do I know?
February 10th, 2010 at 5:02 pm
You have some good points, but you used the wrong form of “right” in your twelfth paragraph. I think you need to check your writing more often.
Anyway, it doesn’t always take 30 years to write a poem. I write poems when the inspiration strikes me. My mom criticizes my poems just as you would, and so do my intelligent peers. However, many people have been dumbfounded at my poetic ability. I have won several contests, and keep in mind that I am under age, so please don’t challenge my word by referring me to a very difficult and competitive poetic competition (as others have done in the past).
I think that some people really do have a “gift”. Some choose to improve on it. Some brag about it, but never work to increase it.
February 19th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
Taylor B- thanks for pointing out my mistake!
It’s not a bad thing for your mom and peers to criticize your poems. All writing should be criticized- just like you did for me. It makes you better. People who are dumbfounded at your writing ability are nice but the people who criticize are your best allies.
I also know that some people have a “gift”. I also know that those who choose to improve on it become the best…juts like everything else.
September 9th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
I kinda know this poem really sux
but can I sell it for a hundred bucks : )
April 7th, 2011 at 8:32 am
A sobering article. Guilty as charged. Time to READ!
April 7th, 2011 at 9:28 am
This article predates my Triond membership by a couple of months, so I missed it until now. My thanks to you for writing it, and to Yorky for reviving it.
I concur with all of your points here, save one, and even there I take only conditional exception. Regarding drafts and revisions, I don’t necessarily believe that one *has* to spend a lifetime and sacrifice an appendage in order to write a good poem. The process of writing a poem isn’t quite so typical as you’ve described, so the time spent writing a good one isn’t subject to prescription by anyone else.
That said, I agree that we ought to revisit our work regularly, as we seldom find just the right words the first time around.
April 7th, 2011 at 9:40 am
This article predates my Triond membership by a couple of months, so I missed it until now. My thanks to you for writing it, and to Yorky for reviving it.
I concur with all of your points here, save one, and even there I take only conditional exception. Regarding drafts and revisions, I don’t necessarily believe that one *has* to spend a lifetime and sacrifice an appendage in order to write a good poem. The process of writing a poem isn’t quite so typical as you’ve described, so the time spent writing a good one isn’t subject to prescription by anyone else.
That said, I agree that we ought to revisit our work regularly, as we seldom find just the right words the first time around.