The most popular style of our time is the 'free verse' style. This form originated in the late 19th century, with Walt Whitman being credited for it. Before this form was introduced, poetry was restricted to certain form.
Scansion is the analyzing of pattern, rhyme and meter in formal poetry. Commonly, a letter is placed at the end of the last word in each line. Usually starting with A then B and so on....
For example if the first two line rhyme with each other, their letters would be AA. If the second set of lines rhyme with each other the rhyme pattern would be AABB. If the fifth line doesn't rhyme a C would be introduced and so on.
The number of beats in each line is called the meter. "Iambic pentameter" is the most commonly used. Words with this type of beat consist of a short pulse followed by a strong pulse. Examples would be arrest, domain, forsooth, etc. The accent is on the second syllable.
Enough of the rules already, let's get to the fun stuff. When you tell stories or write letters what do you start with? Something you overheard, witnessed, or read about? The best way to start a poem is to begin with what you're most comfortable with.
Think of what type of poem you had in mind. Will it be a story, a comment, a character study? It is best to skim through some examples to get you started off. It is also important to take breaks like going for a walk or to bed. When you come back, jot things down. It does not have to be orderly.
Work on your poem for many weeks and take the last line of one of your poem and carry on from there, ignoring entirely what you drafted before. You will be surprised at what you are able to accomplish. Get writing! - 15478
Scansion is the analyzing of pattern, rhyme and meter in formal poetry. Commonly, a letter is placed at the end of the last word in each line. Usually starting with A then B and so on....
For example if the first two line rhyme with each other, their letters would be AA. If the second set of lines rhyme with each other the rhyme pattern would be AABB. If the fifth line doesn't rhyme a C would be introduced and so on.
The number of beats in each line is called the meter. "Iambic pentameter" is the most commonly used. Words with this type of beat consist of a short pulse followed by a strong pulse. Examples would be arrest, domain, forsooth, etc. The accent is on the second syllable.
Enough of the rules already, let's get to the fun stuff. When you tell stories or write letters what do you start with? Something you overheard, witnessed, or read about? The best way to start a poem is to begin with what you're most comfortable with.
Think of what type of poem you had in mind. Will it be a story, a comment, a character study? It is best to skim through some examples to get you started off. It is also important to take breaks like going for a walk or to bed. When you come back, jot things down. It does not have to be orderly.
Work on your poem for many weeks and take the last line of one of your poem and carry on from there, ignoring entirely what you drafted before. You will be surprised at what you are able to accomplish. Get writing! - 15478
