How to Master the Basics of Poetry Portland OR

Steps

1. Know what style of poem you want to write. There's many to choose from. For ideas, you may search the Internet by "types of poetry". The following steps can guide you in writing rhyming poetry. Rhyming poetry is an old style you may be familiar with from school textbooks. Modern poetry does not rhyme at the ends of lines; it may have internal rhymes or none at all.
2. Know your rhyme schemes. A rhyme scheme is how your words will rhyme and flow. Some include:
   1. ABAB
   2. AABB
   3. AABBC
   4. ABABCDCD
   5. ABABCDCD
3. Think of what you want your poem to be about. Try to make it about something that interests you. (it'll be easier!)
4. Sit in a quiet place and let it come. Don't expect a poem to just spill out, though. Writing good poems takes time.

Tips

• Try going through your day a little slower to see if something inspires you.
• It is absolutely essential that you read some good poetry by famous authors. It's okay to model your poetry after someone else's just don't copy it.
• Not all poems have to rhyme. A poem, really, is just words that "flow" and sound good together.

Warnings

• Do not try to give your poem perfect grammar. This may seem impossible. It is okay to put in a "'till" or a "'cause".
• Remember poems take time, so don't get frustrated.

Things You'll Need

• An inspiration
• Paper--(Don't waste it!)
• Pen/Pencil
• Quiet place
• Possibly some good poetry books

Sources and Citations

• http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/

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