Have a point. Why are you writing? What is it about? Although not always directly, show your readers the path to the meaning of the poem. Say what you want to say, but still let your readers decide on what the true meaning is.

Have rhythm. To be considered a poem, a writing must have rhythm. Let the meters flow smoothly off the tongue. This doesn’t mean the poem has to have the same number of syllables every line or even every other. It means to allow the reader not to get tongue twisted while going line to line. Give it flow.

Don’t rhyme unless it fits. Not all poems rhyme, in fact the majority do not. Many amateur writers tend to force rhymes where it doesn’t need to be. Only use it when it fits the overall poem and helps bring the emotion to the reader.

Give the poem characteristics. A poem doesn’t always have to fit inside a genre. Make it your own style. Use as much voice as possible. Show that there is a person behind the poem.

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1. Tips For Writing Poetry I
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