The truth is that analyzing poetry is difficult. Poets say much with few words–generally. Sometimes they may even use words that are perfect for what they are saying, but that the reader has never encountered. Every word is important in a poem, so that’s where we start–making sure we understand their literal definitions. But to […]

When writing a poem–whether in free verse or in meter, there’s a technique that is commonly used to keep the lines moving. “Enjambment” in poetry is when a line feeds directly into the next one. As the poem is read, the end of a line flows effortlessly into the beginning of the one following it […]

Meter is what gives a poem its rhythm, or its songlike cadence. There are two things that create metered poetry: Poets such as William Shakespeare, John Keats, and Edgar Allen Poe used meter in their poems. If you’ve read metered poetry, then it probably “sounds” more like a poem to you. That’s because the pattern is […]

If you don’t have some understanding of what metered poetry is, then the idea of free verse poetry won’t feel as liberating to you. It might help if I compare it something. Imagine a sewing pattern. Patterns are meant to be cut and used precisely as they are; they are pre-designed with measured specifications. That’s […]

Writing poetry can have many benefits for the person willing to engage the process. So, when we ask the question “Why should we write poetry?” there are many ways to answer it. We can use it to express strong emotions, tell mini-stories, and describe something inspiring or just downright interesting. Writing poetry can also give […]

A poem holds a structure that is visible to its audience. And when the lines are read aloud, the words should sit well together–one after another–creating a pleasant sound. This sound appeals to the reader in a different way than prose does. Even though some poets vary their creation of poetry and have adopted different […]

What is poetry? Put simply, poetry is a form of creative writing which includes repetitive sounds that appeal to the listener and relies on minimal word choice. Even more simply–it sounds nice when read aloud and what it says, it does in as few words as possible. Literary definition A more complex or all inclusive […]

Welcome to the blog–Poetry Line by Line. If you’re looking for easy to follow lessons on understanding and writing poetry, then you’re in the right place. What is poetry? Poetry is a form of creative writing which includes repetitive sounds that appeal to the listener and relies on minimal word choice. Even more simply–it sounds […]