How to write a poem

Have you ever wanted to write a poem but didn't know where to start? I'm a classical singer and have written poetry all my life. Classical "art songs" typically set poems to music, so I'm often singing poetry, too. Here are a few tips for getting started.

1. Read and learn

Get familiar with the works of famous poets. Analyse their poems and figure out what you like and what you don't. Learn about different forms of poetry, such as sonnets, aubades, and villanelles, and the jargon that goes with them, such as iambic pentameter, stanza, and couplet. Learn about history, mythology, symbolism, art, music, and more. All of this will help you understand poetry more deeply and imbue your own poems with layers of meaning.

If terms like "metre" and "rhythm" feel unfamiliar, it's useful to know that they are not exclusive to poetry. They're the same building blocks that shape music, and understanding one often makes the other click.

A few poets to start with

If you're not sure where to begin reading, there are many good lists online, for example this one: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/snow-white-doesnt-live-here-anymore/201612/50-poets-you-should-read-now-english-professors-list

A couple of personal favourite poems of mine: Lord Byron's "She Walks in Beauty", for its effortless-sounding rhythm and rhyme, and James K. Baxter's "Rocket Show," which captures a very specific slice of New Zealand childhood and shows true craftsmanship.

2. Get inspired

Inspiration doesn't always come out of thin air. In fact, it rarely does. Inspiration comes from living life, absorbing knowledge and culture, and planning regular writing sessions. You can be inspired by many things: something "mundane" (a white ceiling), another type of artistic work (a painting or a piece of music), or something personal (an intense emotion).

3. Make a plan

Once you have an idea (a topic, a phrase, an image, or something else), develop it before you start writing. Will you choose a specific form, or will it be freeform? What will the rhythm and metre scheme be? Will there be a rhyme scheme? From whose perspective is the poem written? What's the story you want to tell, and what's the main point you want the reader to take away? Jot the answers down, or simply keep them in mind.

4. Start writing

Get some initial ideas down on paper. They can change along the way. If you're writing by hand rather than going digital, I'd recommend a pencil and eraser so you can adjust things easily as you go. Tools such as a thesaurus, dictionary, spellchecker, and rhyme finder can also help. Don't worry if the exact word you want doesn't come to you right away. It may arrive later, or you might find that changing the whole line or stanza helps you say what you actually mean.

Rhyme is often where beginners get stuck, so here are a few things to guide you:

• Rhyme isn't all or nothing. A poem can rhyme fully, partially, or not at all. Perfect rhymes (moon/June) and half rhymes (moon/gone) are both valid options.

• Choose a scheme before you commit to one. Common patterns include AABB (rhyming couplets), ABAB (alternating lines), and ABBA (enclosed rhyme). Deciding early saves you from painting yourself into a corner three lines in.

• Don't force rhyme. If you find yourself reaching for an odd word purely because it rhymes, that's usually a sign to rework the line rather than force it. The best rhymes feel natural.

• Read it aloud. Rhyme is an auditory effect, so your ear will catch problems your eye might miss, particularly with rhythm sitting awkwardly around the rhyming words.

• Make use of tools and resources. A thesaurus is a valuable item for the budding poet. Online rhyme finders are also useful for widening your options. Treat the results as a starting point for your own thinking.

5. Revise and edit

Once the poem is "finished," read it back to yourself. If something doesn't sound quite right, go back and change it. Sometimes you'll catch this straight away; often, taking a break (an hour, a week, a month) helps you see the work with fresh eyes and know exactly how to improve what's already there.

6. Share your work!

Social media is a good start, and there are some excellent poetry communities online too. You might like to submit your poems to a contest or publication, or start working towards your first chapbook (up to 40 pages) or a full collection.

Happy writing!

My book "Embodied" (2022) is available from a range of retailers.

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