You’re Holding Back Your Poetry

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In all its forms, poetry is one of the most beautiful pieces of literature to have ever surfaced from the communication of both human emotion and mind. And, throughout the history of humankind, we’ve been blessed with an abundance of masterpieces that tell deep stories, elicit strong emotions, and even bring lighthearted joy.

To this day, we can actively feel and see that the love for poetry is blossoming than ever, as more and more people try their hand at writing poems of different forms, rhyme schemes, and learning new literary devices with every step. However, the vast majority of people also fail to realize the poem writing sins they commit, which, left unaddressed, holds back their potential.

What You’re Doing Wrong

Truth be told, there isn’t really a correct way of writing poems, but there are common traps that newbies and even experienced writers often fall victim to. Of course, we are by no means restricting you of your poetic freedom and encourage you to be as expressive as possible, but if you want to break the barrier of mediocrity, these are things you need to address.

#1 Overplaying The Necessity For Deep And Powerful Emotions

There’s a common misconception that all poems should center around and evoke deep and powerful emotions. However, this way of thinking is far from the reality of poetry writing and is downright wrong. Such emotion-hungry ideals need not tie down poems because a poem can take any shape, form, and material it wants.

From a lighthearted spin on an everyday occurrence to the suspenseful cases of a family law attorney, all of these are considered poems. Regardless of what narrative, topic, or story it wants to tell, these do not invalidate the written work from being a poem. So, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise that a poem should always elicit strong emotions, and maybe even try writing something silly to broaden your scope.

#2 Limiting Yourself To An External Audience

Another issue that many writers face is not writing for themselves but seeking the praise and validation of an external audience. The whole purpose of poetry is self-expression and, at times, even come to realizations as you write the verses themselves, offering you a moment of self-reflection and growth. But, when you intentionally restrict yourself of creative freedom by trying to please an external audience that has yet to read your work, how can you expect them to feel anything if you can’t guarantee yourself?

Yes, later down the line, when you choose to become a professional, and people start to follow your work, there is a level of expectancy that comes into play, and revisions will be met to keep your standard. However, when first starting out or even just writing a draft, don’t write for anyone else but you.

#3 Simply, Writing Too Fast

Finally, because most forms of poetry are shorter than other types of literature, many writers get into the habit of writing as much as they can and as fast as they can, without batting an eye at their written work. Indeed, the more you write will contribute to your growth and development, but actual progress comes from taking a step back and reviewing your poems from a different perspective.

So, instead of jumping from one poetic pattern to the next, take your writing speed down a notch and set a time and place for you to go over the poems you’ve written so far. Be critical of your work, and you’ll be surprised to find new minute details “you” from before failed to notice.

Reflect And Improve

Overall, take this opportunity to reflect on your progress in poetry writing and all the writing habits you’ve picked up along the way. Take these tips with a grain of salt and check how they can help you with your next poem.