Multi-Faceted Poetry

Poems are perfect for using multiple view points. An example can be seen in the Bible’s Song of Solomon, in that there is the husband’s viewpoint then the wife or beloved. Poets who want to present a number of viewpoints in poetry could do something similar.  It is a relatively simple process, similar to writing a dialogue in a piece of prose. The key to remember is to always identify who has the voice at each point and reinforce thias with the language used.

In the first stanza introduce the topic in a general way telling the reader what you will be presenting from differing viewpoints.  Introduce a number of people who will have voices in the poem. For instance, there can be a Father and a son speaking, or a husband and a wife, with each speaker speaking from their own point of view.

In the second stanza you should introduce one viewpoint. Present it from all sides press it home and try to convince the reader that this is the correct viewpoint if an argument is presented.  Introduce the speaker in each case so that the reader knows from where the point is being made. Eg Some folks say that liquor is quicker, But I say it makes your ticker feel sicker”.

In the next stanza you can promote the opposing or simply another viewpoint.  Promote this one strongly and convince the reader that this is the only view.  Once again be sure to introduce the speaker and in a few words mention their qualifications to speak on the topic, eg. “Jackson, the old moon-shiner he done disagrees, He says whiskey’s good for the knees”. You can write the poem from as many viewpoints as you need to as long as you present it in a logical and entertaining way.