8 Places to Find Inspiration When Writing Poems About Death
If you would like to start penning poetry, we’ll help you explore eight unique sources of inspiration for writing heartfelt poems about death. Whether you’re trying to process your own grief, honour a loved one who has passed on, or simply wish to write about the complex emotions surrounding loss, finding the right inspiration is vital. If you’re searching for ways to connect with these powerful emotions and find the right words, here are eight places to get you brainstorming.
- Find Poems About Death in the AVBOB Poetry Project Library
Our online library collection at the AVBOB Poetry Project is a rich, valuable resource for anyone writing about life, death, or remembrance. This library is filled with poetry from talented South African poets, from beginner to professional, in all 11 official written languages. These poems capture a range of experiences as diverse as the writers themselves, and they’re an excellent representation of how words can connect us all. Browsing through these works can give you ideas on how to structure your poems about death or simply inspire you to express your feelings in a way that resonates with others. - Browse Through Literature and Poetry Collections
Great poets worldwide have written about death in ways that have shaped generations of writers. Reading the works of established poets can give you new perspectives and ways of thinking about loss. Visit your local library or find some poetry websites online if you want to learn about various poetic styles and forms, and how some of these famous writers approach loss. You can also discover poems about death from different cultures, such as this Yorùbá funeral poem from Nigeria. - Discover Music that Sings to Loss and Grief
Like poetry, music is universal enough to express what words alone sometimes cannot. Countless songs across genres touch on themes of death and remembrance and listening to them can grant us access to deeper feelings we may struggle to find otherwise. - Visit a Cemetery or Final Place of Rest
If you have ever taken a stroll through a cemetery, you will find many poetic lines and creative verses carved into gravestones. These epitaphs are short messages left behind by loved ones, and they can stir one’s thoughts about mortality and the legacy one creates. You might find that these small, timeless tributes give you some direction for your own remembrance poems. - Sit with Nature’s Own Cycles of Life and Death
Many poets turn to nature when writing about loss, possibly because the natural world is full of life cycles of birth, growth, dying, decay, and then renewal. Nature also gives us a sense that we have a small part to play in these rhythms, teaching us that there is continuity and hope, even in death. - Look Through Personal Journals and Memories
While your own memories may be painful, they may also give you the most authentic source of inspiration. Turn to any journalling you may have done, or even some old texts or social media posts that may contain feelings around important events in your life. You might have a new perspective on these memories today and could rework them into a meaningful poem. - Take a Look at Religious and Spiritual Texts
For many, death is closely tied to spiritual beliefs and practices. Reading religious or spiritual texts that explore themes of life, death, and the afterlife can be a source of insight into how humans process dying and loss. Whether you turn to scriptures, spiritual teachings, or philosophical works, these writings can offer some deeper themes to consider. - Ask Others to Share Their Stories
Sometimes, our most profound “aha moments” come from the simplest conversations. Sharing stories and emotions with friends or family can unlock ideas you hadn’t considered and may offer a sense of collective understanding. These personal exchanges can help you articulate the feelings you wish to channel into your writing. - Draw Inspiration from Other Poets Like You
While you may find that you resonate with poets across eras and even languages, there is much to learn from poets who live and write about things you find familiar. The AVBOB Poetry Project understands this and hosts a platform where thousands of South African writers can gather to showcase their poems, no matter their mother tongue. You can view our library of winning poems here.
Enter Your Poem in Our Annual Poetry Contest
Once you’ve found your inspiration and started writing poems about death, you may want to share them with others. The AVBOB Poetry Project offers a platform for poets to connect with a wider audience through an annual poetry contest. With the chance to win a R10 000 cash prize and the opportunity to be published in an anthology, this is a superb way to put your voice out there. To learn more about entering, click here.Back
