Do you want to know how to write a poem? Here's my idea. Will you please tell me if it helps?

Question

I know the question is very presumptuous of me especially with this being a first draft so feel free to reflect your feelings about this in your response!


How to write a poem


I asked my father, who is a real good poet
but still didn't know how i should go it
(see he's been one since before he had me)


she said you write a poem like it's your last one
like your imagination's about to get the smack 
and you're up for de-creation and it won't come back


a poem he said should hurt
like women give birth
like taking a big dump

your poems should come like children:
your poems should come like strangers
like you don't even know 'em

'cos you don't Know a poem
'COs it can't know itself
'cos it keeps coming and going

But dad! I cried and told 'um
I still do not know
Just how to write a poem! 

A poem is like a poo 
he said it is what you consume
So live life see what it do


A poem is more than you
It is like an Immortal
It's You, but through a portal


A poem is a machine for locomotion
through time, and through emotion
you freeze your every notion

A poem is a recorder 
with more depth than HD, 
More angles than 3D


So put your things in order 
before you pen a poem
You don't know where it's going

You don't know where it's going


But Daad! (my tears were showing)
I want to write a poem, 
and I don't know what to DO!

Darling I cannot write a poem truly I don't know how:
But there is an awful secret i'm sad to put you through
Darling You can't write a poem: the poem writes you

Odin · Accepted Answer

This is humorous, but I don't agree with anything he said, especially that a poem has to hurt. 

A painting is created from an inspiration of the painter. TOGETHER, the painters hands, canvas, paint and brushes make the painting. The painting doesn't paint itself. 
Inspiration comes from inside and "harmony" between the artist and materials begin with the first word, the first brush stroke. 
My suggestion would be to wait for that first spark of inspiration, from wherever it comes, as small as a grain of sand, and flow with the almost infinite words available to express your feelings. Write with your "muse," as if you never expected anyone to read or criticize it. Don't force anything. If you're new to poetry, don't cripple yourself with rigid forms. Free verse is a good way to start, as long as the poem has rhythm, voice. No "bumps" that stop you when you read it aloud. (Always a good thing to do.) 
Sorry if in any way I misunderstood your dad, but these are ways I help to teach new poets.

Anonymous · Answer

You've got such a rockin' bod'. You make me wanna throw my wad. Need any more help, let us know. lol Actually, if you told us a little about how you really feel about him then we might be able to help a little more. Honestly, the more you explore those feelings, the poem actually writes itself. That is what poetry and art are about, self-exploration and expression. Maybe, you are afraid of your true feelings for him. They may be deeper than you want to think and that scares you. Maybe you are afraid to say that you really do not like him that much at all.

Anonymous · Answer

My stars. Where have you come from that I don't yet have you in my nethood? The emotive sense of a poem is like that to me, 'A poem is a recorder with more depth than HD,  More angles than 3D'
when you get the first draft down the rest is easy to work. I love that final stanza. But there is synchronicity here with certain other events, for me, and I am off to discover the secrets and magyks that they blend into...LOL

♪♫NancyLiz ® ♫♪ ™ · Answer

Hey, you!
I was in labor with my natural borns for 8 hours each... those were long ago and they grew and ate and talked back and one of them actually left home and explored the world the other disappeared from my life .. now that was an honest days work that went on and on.. 
my poetry may cause me some distress, however they are born more easily (like my ancestors when they went out to the woods and squatted to give birth to a screaming healthy baby)... they are some of them ugly and unwanted... sad isn't it.. perhaps I should treat them all the same...?

Zora · Answer

Hmmm. Your idea or his? 
No insult to your father, but when I went to a poetry seminar for credits, if the prof. had told me these things, I'd never even have begun to write poetry!
HOWEVER, (no, Yahoo, I'm not shouting, gimmee some italics or bold or whatever), in spite of him, (hehe), this poem is very entertaining! I'd like to see more.
Poets have different approaches. Some are so involved in form, that I get no feeling from them. Some labour through them...no pun intended...& get no pleasure from them. 
I like Lurch's approach, of course I would, because it's like mine! I'm also a painter, & I don't "paint by numbers." 
A thoroughly enjoyable poem. Thanks!

Shannon · Answer

Hahaha this was fun to read. I love your last line bye the way. Very funny, reminds me of Silversien's work. But really, since when is a poem like a poo? I'm honestly curious.

Anonymous · Answer

That is an amusing poem, the last line was really pertinent.
I like it because its different and not the run of the mill:
 love / love lost poems.
You do have an anarchic flair for poetry.
If you have any dark romantic / horror poems check out my website and I could post them if you want!
http://wickedpoetry.viviti.com
Best Wishes, Rainbow

. · Answer

If they have ta use forceps ta birth the poem, it'll always be a bit forced; a natural-born poem just pops right out as yer going along. That's how it is for me, anyways. Smart dad, there. Funny poem there. Morning there! lol

FREDO FROG · Answer

a poem he said should hurt
like women give birth
like taking a big dump... no no  a poem for me must have Passion and more Passion, humor , a story 
a picture painted but I DID SO LIKE YOUR POEM INDEED on reflection it did have humor * a star for you

neonman · Answer

Creative, fresh and filled with some great images.  Also contains a lot of truths.  Excellent, my compliments.

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Do you want to know how to write a poem? Here's my idea. Will you please tell me if it helps?

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