how to

How-tos for all things poetry; learn how to analyze a poem, construct a haiko, differentiate between a metaphor and simile and more.

Imagery, Lies, and a Ticket to the Circus
When I think about what makes a poem stand out, I think of fantastic imagery. Poems that employ rich descriptions and use details that allow me to fall into the poem and experience it on as many levels as possible — hearing, smelling, seeing, feeling — are poems that I tend to remember long after I first read them. The details are what re-emerge later in my mind. Carefully crafted imagery lends a particular power to a poem, helping to shape the poem’s tone and guide the reader into its unique world. Imagery sets the mood. It’s the candles and jazz of poetry writing.
By Vanessa Jimison5 years ago in Poets
The double take
It takes a lot for Shan to do a double take. Even with me. I’m the first to admit that I can present others with situations whose significance has not been completely grasped at first.
By Pauline Fountain5 years ago in Poets
Hue-man
It may be true, that I am nowhere near the likes of you --and just like you, I consider my colours to be true For it is with ecstasy that I oscillate,
By Onyx Tikal Sermet5 years ago in Poets
Questions
Questions By Karen CARRINGTON~ I may be young but have a soul of old. Many times that’s been told. The pressures that exist within my realm. My head feels like it’s gonna explode. The constant struggle, the hustle and bustle. Only but a baby, yet have to survive. I made this bed and now I must lie. It may sound sad but Lord knows it’s true. Wasn’t easy for me may be even harder for you. The few that are good may be an insight to you. I’ve learned from those of old. That’s the insight let it be told. Life is no joke, although at times we choose to play. But NEVER no EVER did I think it be this way. What are the Answers to the questions in my mind. Do they even exist, or does it all take time.
By Kayci5 years ago in Poets
Search Of The Soul
Search of the Soul By ~Karen Carrington~ You know life just passes by. Constantly I stop and ask myself why. “Why” is the question that swims within my soul. Why am I so deep? Caught up in gaining control. Control of my life. Control of me. I sit and I ponder on my ever sought goals. What are the reasons of why I’m not yet in control? I need to search I need to find. Why it is I’m unable to see. The thoughts on why I cannot be....Totally satisfied with what you’ve given me. Is it unhappiness, is it relief? The answers to my questions are only in grief. Denial to the fact I’m not believing in me. Blind to the fact that I’m unable to see. What it is everyone else sees. So rare, so unique. So passionate, yet so incomplete. Until I believe, that I am what I be. I fail to realize that it is what I see. I wanna stop allowing the negative that brings me down. I want to stop letting thoughts make my life go round. It’s not about “them” it’s all about me. Feeling so totally overwhelmed with all that’s going on. To be so young, yet be so strong.
By Kayci5 years ago in Poets
Visionary
I dream in black and white Rather strange, colour devoid I find my vision blurry Coal curtained, by night I dream in black streets,
By Jacquie Minnaar5 years ago in Poets
The Survival Guide I Discovered While Inside
1. Carry this with you everywhere you go 2. Follow the instructions on every page 3. Order is not important 4. Instructions are open to interpretation
By Anthony Dahm5 years ago in Poets
roseate
It was so deep, it looked black as faces bloodied by life all there was, pulsing red until it rained. Through hot, thick smog
By Noah5 years ago in Poets
It's not a chair, but I'm sitting on it
A taste of the sun's yellow like salty metal wasn't enough. Intent to swallow the whole damn thing pride burnt my tongue and mouth's roof
By Noah5 years ago in Poets
Kitchen Reno
All possibilities hinge on the color green. Before floors, lighting, kitchen sink gauge (where less is more), before committing to granite, leathered to the brink of Egyption cotton,
By Josie Spago5 years ago in Poets
Warmth and Sunshine
I hope you delight in the sun as she warms your glorious skin. I hope you let down your barriers and dance bare foot in the wind.
By Tiahni Adamson5 years ago in Poets
Colours of me
Long flame red hair twisted up and contorted like a plaited cage Tamed inner demons Must try Must subdue the rage Nondescript shaped face
By Marysha Joelle Stephens5 years ago in Poets