Want to Know What Makes a Poem Exceptional? Here Are 8 Ways to Spot Good Poetry Writing
Unearthing good poetry writing is an exciting quest, and we can guide you with a few ways to quickly spot some rare literary gems in your search. There is a vast cosmos of linguistic expression available to us – millions of options, whether poems, memoirs, fables, novels, prose, or non-fiction works. Perhaps you are a keen reader with a love for poetic forms, and you may enjoy collecting beautiful verses and returning to them often. If you are just learning about poetry, however, there are a few ways to tell if you have stumbled onto a masterpiece. In learning below about how to spot a phenomenal piece, you might discover ways to improve your own writing too.
Good Poetry Writing Isn’t Just for Famous Poets
It may be tempting to seek out the most well-known names when trying to immerse yourself in superb writing, but there is a treasure trove of writers far beyond the realm of Shakespeare, Keats, or Wordsworth. The best place to look? Local and contemporary. There are diverse, proudly South African voices sharing their work right now, and in supporting them, you can enjoy a deeper connection to your nation’s identity. These poets contribute to the beautiful literary heritage of our country and help us celebrate our cultures, histories, and traditions. Supporting local contemporary talent allows for exchanging ideas, perspectives, and stories, and platforms for under-represented voices with something important to say. So, if you’re seeking good poetry writing, home is a great place to start.- 1. Painting with Language
Good poetry writing takes a linguistic paintbrush and, with every brushstroke verse, fills out a bigger picture. The pieces that stick with us are the ones we visualise clearly within our mind’s eye. It takes those everyday, prosaic sentences and turns them into a profound and colourful work of art. - 2. Holding a Mirror Up to the Human Experience
Poems that merely describe emotions aren’t memorable; poems that make people feel emotions are. Reading a powerful piece is like picking up a mirror and exploring what reflects back. Honest readers want to see themselves alongside the state of humanity, however beautiful or brutal the image. - 3. Imagery that Immerses Readers
Good poetry writing is easy to spot when there is a clear invitation. It’s a direct portal into a separate world that feels real, vibrant, and tangible, if only for a moment. If you find yourself untethered from the present and transported to a different time and place, then the poet has done their work of immersing you in their piece. - 4. Breaking the Boundaries of Conventional Language
A poem cannot literally present an image or sound or convey sentiment through body language, so it must rely on unconventional syntax, poetic forms, and literary devices to create meaning. This technical part of good poetry writing requires a trained pen and enough mastery of the rules to know when they can be intentionally broken. - 5. Linguistic Harmony That Feels Like Music
Poetry and music are closely tied. Songs with lyrics are made up of, often rhyming, verses. Poems are also usually written with a musical cadence, with rhythm and tempo to emphasise the theme or specific concepts. With the rise and fall of syllables, a superior piece sounds like a symphony of sentences. - 6. Making Every Word Count
Another technical skill required for poems is brevity and precise, intentional language. They aren’t a string of endless words; they are methodical, deliberate, and keep powerful concepts concise. It’s about distilling emotions and ideas without diluting them. - 7. A Puzzle Built by Both Poet and Reader
A poem that leaves some room for ambiguity and open interpretation allows the audience to connect, adding their own puzzle pieces as they read along. This is like a give-and-take dance between the writer and audience, and every reader walks away with a meaningful piece unique to their perspective. - 8. An Unmistakable Voice
There are several essential rules for beginner writers, including reading works from other writers. Not just to improve your writing but to help you find your own unique voice that stands out from others. This authenticity is like a signature, and when looking for good poetry writing, you will find that the best pieces are those infused with the author’s essence.
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