Writing poetry might sound easy, but in reality writing a horrible poem is what is truly easy. Of course, time changes the view readers hold on specific poems. For example, Emily Dickinson's poetry was not taken entirely too seriously until after her death. However, there is still specific requirements a poem must have in order to receive much appreciation from the community. Rhythm, word choice, and emotion are three of these aspects a poem must have.
Rhythm
Holding a specific rhythm in a poem is indeed a requirement. Even going back to Shakespeare's writings, he used iambic-pentameter to control the rhythm of his writings. Even if your style of choice is free-verse, you must still control the flow. A great way to do this is by having the same amount of syllables in every line. But other ways may include alternation or rhyme schemes.
Word choice
Choosing the right words in specific circumstances can help bring out the true meaning of the poem. These don't necessarily have to be large or words you must look up in a dictionary; they may be descriptive or metaphorical that the reader can relate to.
Emotion
The poem doesn't need to be about love or sadness in order to hold emotion. Going back to rhythm, the rhythm may indeed cause emotion within the reader. For example, the speeding up of syllables may cause excitement. As well, words such as 'crept' may cause the reader's heart to race. Words such as 'beauty' may give the reader feel romantic.
Writing a horrible poem
In order to write a horrible poem, all you must do is void these three aspects. Instead of rhythm, use random words causing disruption of flow. Instead of excellent word choice, use words no one understand or bother to comprehend. Instead of allowing the reader to hold emotion, stop abruptly and without cause. Use words without emotion and show no skill of holding the reader's heart in your hand. Voiding these are much more simple than it may sound.
Gary R. Hess is the author of poetry. Be sure to also check out quotes.
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