Get Your Premium Membership

How Do You Write Poetry

Brick by brick you build your house To get married, go find a spouse Step by step, toddlers start to walk Sound by sound, infants prepare to talk By trial and error some learn to cook Page by page most read a book Number by number, one counts and counts To ride a horse, better learn to mount... But how do you learn to write a poem To teach a rookie, what do you show 'em A metaphor, an simile, an idea, a theme? ~ It's not as easy as it might seem!

Copyright © | Year Posted 2019




Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 11/25/2019 2:23:00 PM
Hi Gershon, This is a tough question. It differs with each poet. Telling one how to is even more difficult. For me, it starts with a thought/ inspiration and then my muse takes over. That's the best answer I got. Ask me tomorrow and I'm sure the answer will change lol. I enjoyed the read my friend. Happy Holidays and have a great day:-) Alexis
Login to Reply
Wolf Avatar
Gershon Wolf
Date: 11/25/2019 3:45:00 PM
I like what you came up with here, Alexis, esp. the part that tomorrow the answer will change. Pleasurable penning always! :) gw
Date: 11/25/2019 9:56:00 AM
Even for the poet, the writing comes more from the heart than the formal lessons. Nicely phrased poem.
Login to Reply
Wolf Avatar
Gershon Wolf
Date: 11/25/2019 1:16:00 PM
Absolutely. Without heart, t's just sterile, formulaic exercise. Thanks, D.M.
Date: 11/25/2019 7:14:00 AM
Hi Gershon, I was asked that question just recently and also asked where and how do you think of what to write - I merely referred her to my muse! Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.
Login to Reply
Wolf Avatar
Gershon Wolf
Date: 11/25/2019 1:15:00 PM
And that's amusing, in and of itself, Jennifer! Thanks, Gershon
Date: 11/25/2019 3:26:00 AM
##It's not as easy as it might seem!## Yeah.. True for me.. But not for.. It seems quite easy for you to post 4-5 excellent poems a day..
Login to Reply
Wolf Avatar
Gershon Wolf
Date: 11/25/2019 1:09:00 PM
Thanks for the encouragement, Jenish. Your kind words renew my hope!... As for 'easy,' please see soup mail. Thanks, gw
Date: 11/25/2019 12:41:00 AM
I rushed over here, and was shocked to discover just another really fun poem, but not the instructions I had expected. Great ruse, my friend!
Login to Reply
Wolf Avatar
Gershon Wolf
Date: 11/25/2019 9:39:00 AM
Did you expect a Lamaze class, for heaven's sake?! -- Tongue firmly planted in cheek. Thanks, Caren! :) gw
Date: 11/24/2019 8:04:00 PM
Gee Wiz Gershon I thought I was going to learn how to write poetry, Bummer!! Awesome rhythm and the title got my attention! Way to go brother poet!!
Login to Reply
Wolf Avatar
Gershon Wolf
Date: 11/24/2019 9:10:00 PM
Aw, Gee, Bobby -- You already know how to write poetry. You don't need to read this juvenile stuff! ~ Dr. Seuss
Date: 11/24/2019 7:47:00 PM
Gershon, I think you figured it out in this Rhyme. This thing called poetry. No readin', writin', & 'rithmatic will suffice. -Richard
Login to Reply
Wolf Avatar
Gershon Wolf
Date: 11/24/2019 9:08:00 PM
The 'fourth R,' Robotics, will produce poetry, no doubt, but it will be formulaic at best... :) gw
Date: 11/24/2019 7:30:00 PM
This was perfect. I just wrote a comment for you to write on... then I ended up here. This is too great. Twilight zone fun. Wonderful write. I truly enjoyed it. Have the very nicest night... oh and write ON!!! Ann
Login to Reply
Wolf Avatar
Gershon Wolf
Date: 11/24/2019 9:07:00 PM
Thanks for the enthusiasm, Ann. Appreciated! Best wishes, Gershon
Date: 11/24/2019 7:04:00 PM
Very good Gershon. Your flow is awesome. Thanks for sharing
Login to Reply
Wolf Avatar
Gershon Wolf
Date: 11/24/2019 9:05:00 PM
Thanks for the positivity, Gregory! Cheers, gw
Date: 11/24/2019 6:34:00 PM
it's not easy, but some people like yourself have a wonderful knack for writing it! Good penning my friend!
Login to Reply
Wolf Avatar
Gershon Wolf
Date: 11/24/2019 9:05:00 PM
And some people have a knack for exaggerating Gershon Wolf's abilities, methinks. Though I've now painted myself into a corner here, so to speak, I will still venture that YOU are the one with a wonderful knack for writing poetry!! :) gw
Date: 11/24/2019 5:44:00 PM
Hey Gershon, now that is what I call perceptive!! It certainly isn't as easy as it might seem!! Absolutely love this!..Ron
Login to Reply
Wolf Avatar
Gershon Wolf
Date: 11/24/2019 9:02:00 PM
Wow. Sure is nice to get such an enthusiastic comment, Ron. Thank you so much! Smiles, Gershon

Book: Reflection on the Important Things