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The basics of writing poetry

continued from page 3
The stanza
Our other building block is the stanza. However, in free verse there is often only one stanza. Stanzas are a structure like chapters in a book. They connect ideas, create a pattern, create shapes that the eye likes, notices. Again the white space around them communicates their importance, their connections. Use stanzas when you want to shift focus, point of view, scene, mood, time. It's a device for organising your information. Poetry is where we must work hardest at our voice; it has to be unmistakable. We strive for a unique presence on the page. We try to understand our strengths and weaknesses and work on the craft.

Shape and format
Shape and format - line length, white space, rhyme, etc - all communicate. They all make patterns, sounds inside our heads. As in most writing, the first line is the most important. Start out with your most powerful image if you can; don't warm up or wander into your poems. The last line is also important, a clincher. It often resounds or repeats the first image. The best poetry lines should be able to stand alone. They don't need other lines to prop them up. They're complete, powerful on their own. They contain an image, idea, concept and are powered with specific nouns and vivid, kick-butt verbs.

Tip: avoid the passive voice as much as possible. Verbs and verb tense are crucial to good poetry. So remember, the last line is as powerful as the first, and you can use line length to control impact. Some writers think that longer lines have more emotion. I?m not sure I agree.

Repetition
Repetition is basic to most poetry. Repeat key words, sounds and phrases for emphasis. Repetition makes us pay attention, echoes important themes and images. Blues are a good example of how to use repetition. Repetition is comforting and familiar, but don't rely on it to carry your message. Intersperse with change and innovation. But it is powerful; think of prayers and chants as another example.

Repetition can be overdone but used well it's a great technique. I like internal repetition too: assonance and consonance - repeating sounds within the line. Also don't think of grammar as a dirty word; understand it, unlock it. For example, try an appositive - adding one thing beside the other: My grandfather, Ben, a large man with a laugh like a Christmas elf, stands in his workroom, etc. Use a noun, then clump a phrase to the right of it to bring it to life.

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