How to Start Writing Poetry: Tips to Write a Poem as a Beginner

Are you ready to discover your inner poet? Writing poetry can be a great way to express yourself and explore your creativity. But getting started can be intimidating. In this blog post, we'll look at different types of poems and some tips to help you unlock your inner poet. From choosing a topic to finding the right words, these tips will help you craft meaningful, powerful poems that will stay with you for years. So, if you’re ready to explore the beauty of poetry, let’s get started!

What is a poem?

Also called verse, poetry is a unique and expressive form that captures feelings, thoughts, and moments. Whether it follows a strict structure or flows freely, poetry is all about finding the perfect words to connect with readers. Unlike prose, poetry often employs rhythm, imagery, and figurative language to evoke emotions and deeper meanings.

But what makes a poem a poem, exactly? Is it rhyming? Fancy word choice? Random line breaks? If you want to write poems, it can help to start by understanding common styles of poetry.

Different types of poems

There are many poetic forms, from sonnet to haiku, and each type has its unique structure and rhythm.

Some common forms of poems include:

• Sonnets – Traditional poems with 14 lines, often exploring themes of love or philosophy. Example: Shakespeare’s famous sonnets.

• Free verse poetry – Poetry without a fixed structure or rhyme scheme, allowing for complete creative freedom.

• Haiku – A Japanese form with three lines (5-7-5 syllables) that often capture nature and fleeting moments.

• Limericks – Five-line humorous poems with a distinctive rhythm (AABBA rhyme scheme).

• Odes – Poems that celebrate or praise a subject with an uplifting tone.

• Elegies — Similar to an ode, an elegy is a poem that mourns its subject, such as a lament for the dead.

• Ballads – Narrative poems with a song-like quality, often telling a dramatic or emotional story.

• Epic poetry – Long, narrative poems about heroic deeds or mythological tales (e.g., Homer's The Odyssey).

• Villanelles – A 19-line poem with repeated refrains, often exploring deep emotions like love or loss.

• Sestinas – Complex poems with 39 lines, repeating six key words in a fixed pattern.

• Prose poems – Poetry written in paragraph form but using poetic devices like imagery and symbolism.

How to write a poem

Read poetry by established poets

When you first start writing poetry, it’s essential to understand how the different elements of a good poem work together. A good way to start is by reading and analyzing poetry. This will help you become familiar with the structures and metaphors used in various poems. Once you feel comfortable, try exploring new forms of poetry.

Reading poetry by established poets can teach the techniques and forms of poetry, and inspire you to create your own work. Analyze the structure and techniques of each poem, and explore various eras and styles of poetry. Some great contemporary writers who write poetry in English are Joy Harjo, Sophia Thakur, Nikki Giovanni, Dean Atta, Salena Godden, Amanda Gorman, and more! You can expand your knowledge by learning about poetic movements such as Romanticism, Modernism, and Beat Poetry. The Poetry Foundation website is also a great place to immerse yourself in different types of poetry.

You can look for established writers in your community, too! Go to poetry readings at your local bookstore or look up poetry groups in your area.

What do you want to write about?

Before you worry about the rules of poetry or what type of poetry you should write, think about what inspires you and makes you want to write poetry. Many poets take their inspiration from nature, such as in William Wordsworth's famous poem "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud:"

I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Others craft poems based on their own lives or childhoods, such as these lines from Ada Limón's poem, "The Raincoat:"

When the doctor suggested surgery
and a brace for all my youngest years,
my parents scrambled to take me
to massage therapy, deep tissue work,
osteopathy, and soon my crooked spine 
unspooled a bit, I could breathe again,
and move more in a body unclouded
by pain.

If you're looking for inspiration, other steps you can take are to read, observe your surroundings, take walks, listen to music— do whatever helps bring out the creativity in you. Let yourself explore all kinds of topics without worrying about how they will fit into a poem. Jot down your observations throughout the day. A striking image or free-flowing thought may turn into something unexpected and beautiful!

Understand the elements of poetry

When writing poetry, it’s important to remember the literary devices that make a poem successful. These include:

Structure is a powerful tool when writing poetry and can be used in many ways. Structure helps create rhythm and flow in the poem and creates emphasis on certain words or ideas. It also gives the reader an idea of how the poet has designed the poem to convey their message. Poets may use patterns or rhyme schemes to create structure, such as ABA/ABAA, ABAB etc., or they might use line length and stanza breaks to control the pacing of their work. Using these techniques, poets can craft poems with a meaningful structure that effectively communicates their feelings and ideas.

Rhythm and meter are two essential elements of poetry. Rhythm is the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in each line, while meter is a specific rhythm that patterns throughout a poem. By understanding these two things, you can create a flow to your poem that will help convey its meaning. For example, Shakespeare’s famous line ‘Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?’ follows an iambic pentameter rhythm.

Imagery and sensory language are common devices. Imagery puts a picture in your reader’s mind and helps them understand what you are trying to convey. Sensory language uses words that appeal to the five senses, bringing your poem to life. For example, instead of saying, “The sun set,” you could write, “The sky burned crimson as the sun dipped into the sea.”

Figurative language and symbolism are two powerful tools for making your poetry come to life. Similes, metaphors, and personification are examples of figurative language, while symbols can represent ideas or feelings. Combining these two elements can create a deeper meaning that resonates with your readers. For example: “Her laughter was a melody that danced on the wind.”

Emotion has always been a key part of poetry, from the ancient Greeks to modern-day poets. It adds depth to the work and conveys ideas in an evocative way. This can take many forms, from setting a mood to expressing a specific feeling or idea. Poets may use metaphors and similes to convey emotions such as love or anger.

Conciseness and economy of language are crucial in poetry, meaning fewer words that convey clear, beautiful ideas. Direct writing creates a powerful rhythm, emphasizing certain lines and ideas through natural pauses.

Practice writing short poems with writing prompts

Need help to get your creative juices flowing? Try looking up creative writing prompts from sources like Poets & Writers Magazine, or even on social media! The more you're writing, the quicker you'll become a better writer! 

Brainstorming and free writing can also be helpful tools for getting started on your poetry. Take some time each day just to write. Brainstorm the theme of your poem, and then think about words or phrases that you would associate with that theme. This can help you generate ideas. Remember that there are no strict rules when it comes to writing poetry— have fun with it! There is no perfect way to write a poem, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and forms until you find the ones that work best for you.

Join a writing group to practice and share your work

Writing and practicing regularly is the best way to become a better poet. As you keep writing, your skills will improve, and your voice will become clearer. You might even consider enrolling in a poetry workshop or taking an online course in reading and writing poetry.

Poetry is meant to be shared, so don’t be afraid to share your writing with others and get feedback— it’s an essential part of the learning process. Reach out to like-minded poets in your community or online, join critique groups, or participate in open mics! Share your poems on social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc., to get more exposure and connect with other writers. This can help you gain valuable feedback on your work and make great connections that can lead to collaborations. Once you have revised and edited your work, consider submitting it for publication or entering poetry contests.

Enjoy the process!

Above all, writing poetry should be a joyful and expressive experience. Let yourself explore new ideas, experiment with different forms, and write from the heart. The beauty of poetry lies in its ability to connect us—to ourselves, to others, and the world around us.

Ready to write poetry?

Poetry is a powerful creative outlet that allows you to capture emotions and ideas in unique ways. By reading great poets, experimenting with different styles, and practicing your craft, you’ll develop your own poetic voice. So don’t hesitate—pick up a pen and start writing today!