More often than not, you write poetry without knowing it.

You write short beautiful notes or text messages to loved ones expressing how you feel.

You spontaneously compose lullabies and children rhymes for babies and young ones around you when they cry or need to learn something (as the case may be).

That’s poetry.

Besides that, you might also be interested in writing mainstream poetry, for all the reasons we love it: the imagery, the emotions, the rhythm, the beauty.

But how good are you at it?

This post will teach you how to write poems like a seasoned poet.

Here’s How to Refine Your Poetry Writing

Be intentional

If you want to hone your poetry writing, you have to be intentional about it. You have to consciously learn and master the art of poetry, whether or not you are a creative.

Read as many poems as possible – and read about poetry too

When you read about poetry you will be able to pick the type of technique, theme, literary device, tone and so on that you want to use.

Then, go ahead to read poems written by other poets. This will help you learn how some of the techniques and styles are applied.

Mimic the poets you like

Mimic the style of the poet you like. This doesn’t mean you should plagiarize. Use your own words and ideas to make up your own poem. Be creative.

Choose your muse

You can choose to be inspired by anything: nature, a loved one, art, animals, books or even new words.

Identify what inspires and encourages you to want to write. Mine mostly is a new word/phrase. I love to gather new words. I check for their meanings and usage, and this inspires me to write on the words or ideas around them. Check out my poem “Creases”. It was built around the word “crease”.

You just need to figure out what inspires you.

Write, write and write

Keep writing till you have mastered the art of poetry.

Don’t be scared of making mistakes. And don’t be bent on writing very long poems. That might not be easy for you if you are a starter, and insisting on writing long poems when you are not getting inspiration might discourage you.

So, you can start with a few verses. Write and rewrite your poems until you are satisfied.

Edit

Don’t just stop at doing this on your own. Give your poem to other trusted poets or writers to help you edit it. Get their views and make necessary modifications.

Ajimuda Evelyn Temitayo is a writer, poet and blogger. She is a creative who brings imaginations alive.