Poetry: it’s more than just rhyming words or lofty thoughts. For anyone who has ever tried to capture the essence of their emotions, thoughts, or a fleeting moment in time, writing a poem is both an art and a science. Whether you’re writing for therapy, expression, or to share with others, there’s an alchemy to poetry that anyone can master. And if you’re over 50 and have lived through a fair share of life’s ups and downs, there’s no better time to start putting pen to paper (or fingers to keys).
So, let’s break it down into a friendly, approachable guide, looking at poetry from every angle—and yes, I’ll throw in some of those necessary life lessons, including a few things to watch out for.
1. What is a Poem, Really?
In simple terms, a poem is an expression of feelings, ideas, or stories, distilled into a compact, sometimes musical form. Poems can be short and punchy or long and complex, but they are always more than prose. Poetry often emphasizes form, rhythm, and sound—though modern poets tend to break those rules.
But here’s the trick: poetry doesn’t always have to rhyme (though sometimes it’s fun to make it rhyme), and it doesn’t have to be in any special structure. What’s most important is capturing the rawness of experience and giving it life with words.
2. Start with What You Know
You’ve lived long enough to have a wealth of experiences to draw from—personal stories, memories, heartbreaks, triumphs, and moments that made you stop and think. Your unique perspective is one of the strongest foundations for any poem.
If you’re stuck on where to begin, try reflecting on these:
- A time you felt completely out of control, and what helped you get through it
- A place that has always felt like home, and why
- A person who changed your life in some way
- A moment in nature that made you pause and breathe
- A memory from your childhood that has stuck with you
Once you start reflecting on these memories, one will usually stand out as a strong candidate for your poem.
3. Form and Structure – Do You Need It?
A poem doesn’t have to be rigid. But sometimes structure helps to give your writing shape, or even a rhythm that mirrors the emotions you’re trying to convey. Let’s go through some basic forms:
- Free Verse: This is what most contemporary poets use—no specific meter or rhyme scheme. It’s the wild west of poetry, and it’s perfect if you’re just trying to get your thoughts down without worrying about rules.
- Sonnet: Think of Shakespeare or Pablo Neruda—this 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme can be used to express deep emotions, often about love. It’s a bit more challenging, but if you’re up for it, it can be incredibly rewarding.
- Haiku: A 3-line poem with 5 syllables in the first line, 7 in the second, and 5 in the third. Perfect for capturing moments in nature or small, fleeting ideas.
- Limerick: A 5-line poem with an AABBA rhyme scheme. These are often light-hearted, funny, and great for beginners.
Here’s the key takeaway: if form feels like a constraint, skip it. Write in free verse or however feels natural to you. You can always experiment later.
4. The Power of Sound: Rhythm, Rhyme, and Imagery
The musicality of poetry is what makes it memorable. So, let’s break down a few techniques that give poems their magic:
- Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds (e.g., “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers”). This technique can create a pleasing rhythm or highlight certain words.
- Assonance: Repeated vowel sounds (e.g., “The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain”). This can make your poem feel more fluid.
- Metaphor and Simile: These are ways to compare two things without saying they’re alike. A metaphor says one thing is another (e.g., “Her heart is a stone”), while a simile uses “like” or “as” (e.g., “Her heart was like stone”). Both can add depth to your writing.
- Imagery: The best poems paint vivid pictures. Use descriptive words that appeal to the senses: sight, sound, taste, touch, smell. For example, instead of saying “the flowers were beautiful,” say “the purple petals trembled in the warm breeze like delicate silk.”
5. Play with Emotion – But Don’t Overdo It
Poetry has a unique ability to evoke strong emotions. Whether you’re writing about grief, love, joy, or nostalgia, capturing emotion in a poem is essential.
However, a little goes a long way. Don’t stuff your poem with excessive adjectives or overly dramatic language. Subtlety is key. Let the emotions emerge through your word choices, pacing, and the imagery you create.
And here’s a golden nugget: don’t be afraid to revise. Poetic emotion can be tough to get just right on the first try, and often what feels deeply emotional to you may need some tweaking before it resonates with readers.
6. How to Avoid Common Pitfalls in Poetry
Now, I’ve seen a lot in my day (especially when I’ve worked with younger poets), and there are a few mistakes that tend to pop up time and again. Here are some tips to help you avoid those traps:
- Clichés: Avoid them like the plague. Phrases like “heart of gold,” “time heals all wounds,” or “you’ve stolen my heart” are well-worn, and in poetry, you want to be fresh, not recycled. Get creative with your descriptions.
- Overuse of Adjectives: Adjectives are your friends, but too many can overwhelm the poem. Instead, let the nouns and verbs do most of the heavy lifting.
- Forcing Rhyme: Rhyming can be beautiful, but don’t feel like every poem has to rhyme. If a word doesn’t quite fit, don’t force it just to make the rhyme work.
7. When to Share and When to Keep It Private
Once you’ve finished your poem, it’s tempting to show it to the world, especially if it’s personal. But sometimes, giving yourself space to sit with it can help. Come back after a few days with fresh eyes, and see if it needs any revisions.
You can share it when you feel ready—through social media, at poetry readings, or even with a group of close friends. Many poets also benefit from workshops, where other writers give constructive feedback. But be prepared: not everyone will “get” your poem, and that’s okay.
8. Real Opinions on Writing Poetry
Here’s what a few diverse individuals have to say about writing poetry:
- Lena, 55, UK: “I started writing poetry after losing my mother. It was my way of processing grief. Sometimes, I feel like the poem is just for me—like a private conversation with myself. But when I share it, I realize I’m not alone in how I feel.”
- Carlos, 62, Brazil: “Poetry is a way to speak when words alone fail. I’ve written for decades, and now I write for my grandchildren. I want to show them that poetry can help them through tough times, just like it helped me.”
- Amara, 30, USA: “I took a creative writing class on a whim, and poetry has become one of my main outlets for self-expression. I never realized how powerful words could be until I saw the reactions of others who read my work.”
- Kofi, 45, Ghana: “In my culture, storytelling is everything. Poetry comes naturally when you’ve been telling stories since you were a child. I’m still learning to write in a way that will resonate across generations.”
- Maya, 27, India: “Poetry isn’t something I’ve practiced much, but after a personal loss, I started journaling and the words started flowing like a river. Now I write poems to make sense of my world.”
Final Thought
Poetry isn’t something you just “do”—it’s something you live. It’s a way of thinking, feeling, and expressing that will evolve as you do. Start slow, trust yourself, and let your voice shine through, even if you’re just writing for yourself. And always remember: there’s no right or wrong way to write a poem. The only rule is to express yourself honestly and let the words do the rest.
Happy writing!
