Poetry: Word & Phrase Usage

One of the key elements of poetry is the careful selection of words used to convey an image, to ignite the senses, to set the verse apart from the others.

In order to capture the reader's attention and hold it for the duration of the piece it is critical that a few do's and don'ts are observed. One of the biggest mistakes that a writer can make, and one that is frequently criticized today, is to write a poem in the first person...that is to write the piece about you the writer.

Injecting the word "I" throughout the poem is characteristic of first person writing. Although the piece can still have strong merit and be a fairly compelling read, the use of "I" tends to detract from the reading experience because the reader less readily relates to the subject matter as their own experience.

Cut out that "I" word and write the piece in the third person....allow the reader to observe and experience the situation relayed in the peace as if they are part of that scene or situation. Then and only then do you truly generate a captivated reading audience.

One of the great things about being a member of an online writers' or poetry forum is that you can get near instanteous feedback from fellow writers and reading guests about each piece that you post. You can see from replies posted to your own and others' works just how important this type of third person writing becomes.

When writing poetry it is extremely important that you as the writer are moved by the piece but equally important how your reading audience perceived the piece. Was it an average, ho-hum read or did it truly move someone? When I get feedback that says "oh my, this poem truly moved me" or "I shed many tears reading your poem and related this to my very own experience" or "a beautifully artistic and moving write", I truly have a sense of accomplishment.

When I write poetry, my blog or newsletter I seek to write every single line in a way that vividly conveys the message that I am attempting to convey. Each stanza is a compartmentalized picture or thematic portion of the overall story. Each successive line builds upon this picture in words. I often pair two successive lines where the second line supports and expands on the idea expressed in the first.

Another mistake that aspiring writers make when writing poetry is repetition of words or phrases. Although this technique in writing sometimes bodes well for the piece it more often detracts from the poem, makes it a less enjoyable or compelling read. Some writers will attempt to use the exact same sentence at the start of each stanza throughout the poem. I find that approach to writing less appealing, having less impact and imaginative creativity.

Becoming too verbose or wordy can also detract from the piece. Brevity can actually enhance the reading experience. Use distinctive wording that gives the writing a crisp feel with descriptive words....if there is a scent in the air don't just say "there was a scent in the air" but instead let the reader smell that scent by telling them what that scent is ie. "a hint of pine caressed the night air".

Tell the reader what that familiar scent is...they can then relate by actually sensing that hint of pine...or cinamon...orange...cedar burning in the open fire etc. See/smell the difference?

The use of generic phrases is unappealing in poetry. Again, give the reader descriptive wording that actually paints a picture, allows them to understand clearly what the subject person in the piece is feeling. If you simply say "awake night after night, tormented" that's ok but...yawn. Why not try something like "sleepless nights of anxiety", or "broken hearted, in anguish tears shed". How about "losing your love, in heartache lay awake".

I offer samples of my writing on my website, "A Poet's View" with feature poetry, many of which are content of my first book "Journeys In Verse" and more that will be featured in my second book, a work now in progress to be released soon. Visit my website at http://www.apoetsview.org to see the many pictures I paint with my poetry.

Remember, be unique, descriptive, paint a picture the reader can see, can experience, that stirs their emotions and you will find your works reaching a much broader audience.

Keep writing and putting your work out there for the world to see!

Don MacIver
author, "Journeys In Verse"
copyright 2005

Poetry & Politics

Poetry touches on every conceivable human experience and observation and the written verse is timeless in this regard.

The author of poetry should, however, beware when posting or publishing their works on certain subject categories, especially those that may generate a volumous and highly critical or angered response.

One such topic is politics. Nothing quite strikes a raw nerve as things political. When publishing poetry touching on political issues, whether it be in hard cover, on the internet or otherwise, the writer should anticipate some degree of negative backlash.

Most online poetry forums are open to posts of varied themes including political writings but the negative feedback can often be swift, agressive and at times unexpected, especially when taken out of context by the responding person(s).

I recently wrote a poem in tribute to a former President who passed away after battling a debilitating illness. The piece was intended strictly as a nice tribute to a high profile political leader who had dedicated his adult life to governmental office to the highest level - a tribute pure and simple.

And yet, despite my obvious intentions given the content of the poem, the very first post in response was a harsh and disrespectful attack on the deceased President to the point that a large number of fellow writers, contributing members of the website, reacted in utter consternation and requested that the highly offensive remarks be withdrawn.

In the case of an online forum this type of issue in a thread can turn into a flaming, confrontational battle and become quite disruptive for the members and reading public. After all, the website was for poetry writing and reading and highly negative and confrontational posting is strictly prohibited.

Free speech aside, authors of things political, even in the poetry community, should anticipate a measure of negative response, even in the event that the published piece is as simple and respectful as a tribute.

Having said that, keep writing...for the love of writing.

Don MacIver
copyright 2005 at A Poet's View

Luther Vandross: A Poet In His Own Right

I noted with great sadness and a deep sense of loss the passing of Luther Vandross, an extraordinary talent in the music industry who touched the hearts of so many with his silken tones.

Luther Vandross sang with true passion, each note intoned a breath of fresh air, a cleansing, a sweet and touching experience for his audience worldwide...in essence pure poetry in song.

A poet's quest is to capture the heart and imagination of their reading audience, to leave them with a true sense of satisfaction, an emotional experience that the reader will savour always. Luther Vandross had enormous success in his singing career having blessed us all with so many memorable songs. He touched our hearts and our souls.

I applaud this poet of song...and pause to remember.

Don MacIver
copyright July, 2005