Gervic's Poetic Explorations

How to Write a Poem

Sometimes poets may find it hard to craft
They even let it sit unfinished in their drafts.
Poetry is hard to create, that we all know
But there's a way to make one like a pro.

Have ample time to write the things on your mind
Gather all pertinent words that you can find.
Then choose a form that you can briefly follow.
Start to scribble and let your creative juices flow.

The form you'll choose might be somewhat new
Studying the form and reading samples are but a few
Of the tricks other than searching for word's synonyms
And taking time to play with the antonyms.

Tickle your writing muse and find some inspiration.
Perhaps a euphoric thought of your love's elation
Maybe a cumbersome thought for losing your lover
Or a confession poem that you secretly love her.

You may tackle our Mother Nature's grandeur
Or some random topics on force majeure.
You may want to heighten the mood and go dark
Then think of your horrific encounter in that secluded park.

All it takes is your imagination and life's experiences.
Then, without you knowing, your pen dances
As it etches each word from your thoughts line by line
To an unpolished piece, scribbled and unrefined.

When you ran out of words or vacabulary
Make sure you'll have with you a dictionary.
Choose the right words; you have all the time
Worry not if your poetry doesn't rhyme.

Sometimes it's better to opt for free verse
Than make it rhyme, but make the piece worse.
Put your heart and soul into each and every piece
'Cause it's not just a poem but a masterpiece.

Auhor's Note ▼

Written for: "April 14--How-To Poem"   in "Dew Drop Inn" 
Prompt:

How-to poem—Write a poem that gives us “instructions” on how to do something amazing, unlikely, impossible, or unusual…Let the title be explicitly “how to”ish. Examples: How to Get Under My Skin, How to Bury Yourself, How to Bring About World Peace (on $10 or Less), etc.

32 lines | 276 words | 1,530characters
04/14/22 10:21pm EDT

2nd Placer
Round 89 of "Poetic Traditions Poetry Contest "