Unwritten Poetry Rules
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Mary Biddinger wrote her unwritten poetry rules, and then Diane Lockward posted her blog post about it to Facebook. Now, here I am feeling inspired to write up my formerly unwritten rules.
Diane’s #8 is a favorite of mine:
8. Don’t be a cornball. Get rid of the bluebird and substitute a hunk of granite.
I completely agree with #2, and it’s one of my own rules:
2. No using the f-word in a poem. Not because it’s obscene, but because it’s too easy, too overused, and too boring.
Deborah’s Unwritten Poetry Rules
- Don’t use the f-word for reasons mentioned above.
- Avoid titling poems “Untitled” and figure out a title.
- Use form or not, but don’t feel guilty for not.
- Remove the following words if they slip into the poem: white, sky, moon, light, dark.
- Don’t mention a bird. Get specific. A heron is different from a crow.
- Sit the poem under bright lights and make sure every word is necessary.
- Avoid boring verbs, when possible.
- I just can’t make ‘crazy’ lines of all different lengths. They have to be somewhat uniform, so that the overall ’shape’ of the poem is pleasing to the eye.
What are your written or unwritten rules?
- August 15th
I think 1. and 4. is an idea, nut not very practical. I think you can use any of those words if the other words and lines around them are strong and supportive.
nut=but
I have one rule: never write a poem without having read 2 or 3 good poems first–classic and current.
Nothing inspires good poetry like good poetry.
[…] Ager’s unwritten poetry rules. I like Nos. 1 & 2, and have always obeyed No. […]
Collin — You have a point. For me, though, I have to stick to number four at the very least. I overuse those words, so that’s why the ended up on my hit list.
the=they I guess we’re two peas in a pod as far as typos, Collin.
I don’t think fuck is “easy”–I think it has very specific connotations that you can’t get with any other word. There’s a big difference between “fuck” and “make love” or “engage in sexual intercourse with”. (Fuck is also an onomatopoeia.)
I also think there are a lot of great poems that mention “a bird”.
And for me, wildly staggered line-lengths can be very pleasing to the eye.
For some more commentary on rule No.1 posted above, I offer Stephen Dunn’s “Decorum” —
http://polymexina.livejournal.com/687211.html?thread=1531755
@Matt — It’s all about finding what works for you.
@Billy — Thanks. I’ll take a look at your post tomorrow. Er, today? It’s late.