In its most basic state, writing is a form of communication through language. It is a direct and universally accepted means to share information. But it is how the words are presented that elevates it from the simple exchange of information. The written word is, and has long been a certified artform. Historically the fine arts are made up of architecture, painting, sculpture, music and yes, poetry. Words can stir emotions and stories can literally transport the mind to anywhere, anytime and on the deepest most profound levels.
A poet will push the boundaries of linguistic norms and paint a picture with their letters. The arrangement of words and the beats of a story can elicit the most audacious stirring of human emotion. Poetry is not merely rhyming words, it can be used as a method of releasing the writer from the constraints of language to allow for a more creative method of telling their story. Poetry and prose are the undisputed architects of the joy of reading.
The emotional resonance of poetry
Writing poetry is akin to composing a concerto. The words are the instruments and the poet is the conductor controlling the rhythm, the beats, dramatic interludes and crescendo. A poem can be as epic as a philharmonic orchestra or as lean as an acapella singer. But poetry is essentially about words. It is a creative and free-form human expression that can evoke both the darkest and brightest of emotions. Poems can be about the silence inside a story or stolen moments unseen beneath the drama. Readers of poetry will read the same lines again and again because the words have stirred something deep inside them. It is for this reason that poetry has not only withstood the test of time, but it is a clever and creative tool for composing prose. The use of metaphors and similes will enrich your writing while engaging a reader on a more personal and emotive level.
Awakening the Imagination Through Poetry
It has been said that “a picture paints a thousand words” but it is also true that very few words can paint a thousand pictures. When reading, the words will impart the story but the prose will spark the imagination and very quickly implant a vision and a feeling of a place or people. Using poetic techniques when being descriptive will inspire a reader to create an imaginary universe from your words. But words must be chosen carefully. Imagery, metonymy and analogy will have a rhythm but be mindful of any potential social or cultural connotations. Read it out loud and listen to the sound. How does it make you feel? Allow your world to breathe, and as a writer, allow yourself to live in that world for a time. It is then that your writing takes on a life of its own and readers will sense that magical awakening as they read.
Rhythm of Language
Depending on the genre or medium in which you are writing, there can be an organic approach to creating a rhythm or you can adopt some techniques. A well crafted story will have a beginning, middle and end with twists and turns along the way. Poetry is no different. The words must flow and the story must push forward but there are times when the story will move at a pace, and there are times for slow reflection. Feeling out the beats can help guide a reader along the path and using poetic structures can help. It may be a case of writing longer or shorter sentences, or perhaps the dialogue needs work. When writing a film, play, novel or article, the same rules apply. If you want readers to enjoy your work, you must be mindful of the rhythm of the words.
The Complexity of Poetry
One of the most impressive and indeed beautiful aspects of poetry is the poet's ability to take something as complex and nuanced as love or fear or death, and compress it down to a select few powerful words. But despite its brevity, it is never straightforward, and it is within these layers of complexity that meaning is found. All writers could learn from poetic techniques. It is the use of allegory and ambiguity, not to mention symbolism and playful language that will elevate a piece of writing to resonate with readers on a deeper level.
Poetry should not be dismissed as the reserve of a single genre. Poetic language can elevate any style of writing and writers can learn a lot about rhythm and language from different techniques and styles of poetry. In the end, it is all words. It is how you use them that makes you a writer.
Whether you're a published writer or you are just finding your voice, our Academy has a course to suit you. You don’t need to be a fan of poetry, you just need a passion for words and a willingness to learn. Enrol now and see if you can improve your writing style by adopting even just a little bit of poetry.