The Definitive Guide to Writing Poetry

by Violet Demos

1. This is not a “guide.” It’s a rulebook, full of rules. “Definitive guide” is just a turn of phrase.

2. Command the reader’s attention. Like this: I am commanding your, the reader’s, attention. Hand it over.

3. There is an I. I am the I. You are not the I.

a. If there is a you, it’s probably not you.

4. Poetry, unlike the essay or the vignette, allows you to play with language—but don’t accept the offer. Language bites.

a. If you have to pass by Language’s house, walk on the other side of the street.

5. Your poems can be long or short; just make sure they commit to a stance.

6. Come up with a title before you start a poem, so that you have a sense of direction.

a. The title must be born of the poem.

7. Abhor technology; eschew machinery. Even pen and paper is doubtful.

8. Don’t think you can tackle the whole scope of poetry. Don’t pretend or preen.

9. Don’t cower within any one genre—wake up from the myth of genre for good. Don’t be a sheep.

10. Poetry is not visual or aural art, so don’t rely on penmanship or meter to woo your reader. The most communicative poems are scratch-’n’-sniff.

11. If you love poetry, you are better than everyone else. If you hate it, you are better still.

12. Don’t give general advice.

13. Poetry is like yogurt: it can only be made from other poetry. Poetry is yogurt; yogurt is Plagiarism.

a. Imitation is the sincerest form of poetry. Poetry, unfortunately, is not remotely the sincerest form of flattery.

14. You may think your readers are the guinea pigs for your poetry. Wrong. You are on the wheel. They are tapping on the glass.

15. Swallow your metaphors; eat your words.