Writing a free verse poetry is fun as it allows you to break the rules, and express your thoughts without worrying about rhyme schemes or strict structures. If you’ve ever wanted to write a poem that flows freely from your thoughts and emotions, you’re in the right place.
Free verse poems give you the freedom to craft your words in a way that feels natural, without the pressure of fitting into traditional patterns.
In this detailed blog post, we’ll walk you through simple steps to help you write your own free verse poem, even if you’re just starting out.
What Is A Free Verse Poem?
A free verse poem is a type of poem that doesn’t follow a set rhyme scheme or meter. Rather than having a specific structure define the poem, the poet allows the poem to shape itself through the interaction of language, sound, and literary devices.
While there are no set rules for free verse poetry, many of them have a particular pattern. For example, they frequently begin by describing a scene or object. This introduction is followed by a sequence of thoughts on the scene or item, which contribute to a better comprehension of the poem’s subject matter.
Free verse poems can be any length and frequently employ natural rhythms to convey musicality. Free verse poetry may appear easy, but it can be rather intricate. The best free verse poems balance form and substance, leveraging its format to enhance the poem’s meaning.
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Characteristics of a Free Verse Poem
Here are features of a free verse poem:
- Free verse poems do not follow any set pattern of rhyme or meter.
- The poet focuses on the poem’s imagery and meaning rather than worrying about finding the perfect rhyme scheme.
- This type of poem relies on natural speech rhythms and cadence.
- Free verse poems often have a more personal tone.
- The lack of structure allows poets to focus on the expressive potential of language.
- Free verse poems can be highly creative and experimental.
- Free verse poems often use enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without pause.
- Free verse poems often employ imagery and figurative language to create vivid pictures in the reader’s mind.
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Why You May Want To Write A Free Verse Poetry
Here are a few reasons why you may want to try free verse poetry:
1. Creative freedom
Free verse poetry gives you unparalleled creative freedom from the constraints of traditional structures and explore new realms of expression. You can play with line breaks, change the length and rhythm of your verses, and utilize vocabulary in unexpected ways.
2. Authenticity and individuality
Free verse poetry helps poets to express themselves authentically and accept their originality. By ignoring strict rhyme systems and meter, you may concentrate on presenting your ideas and emotions authentically and naturally.
Writing free verse poetry can promote personal discovery and help you build your own unique style and voice.
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3. Flexibility and adaptability
Free verse poetry is flexible and adaptable to various subjects and themes. It can accommodate a wide range of emotions, from joy to despair, and tackle complex topics that traditional forms might find challenging.
The absence of rigid rules allows you to experiment with different techniques, structures, and imagery, resulting in a dynamic and versatile form of expression.
How to Write a Free Verse Poem
Here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to write a free verse poem:
Step 1: Choose a Subject
One of the most important decisions a poet has to make is what to write about. After all, the subject of a poem can influence its overall mood and tone. For example, a free verse poem about a breakup is unlikely to be the same as one about a sunset.
Of course, there are no hard and fast guidelines for selecting a subject. Sometimes the best poetry come from simply exploring the world around you and penning down whatever strikes you at the time. However, if you’re stuck, brainstorming potential topics ahead of time can be helpful.
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Step 2: Create a Mind Map, Free Write, or List
Now that you have your subject, you need to decide what you want to say about it. In other words, we will determine what we want to be the theme or lesson for our poem.
Here are the top three brainstorming techniques you can try out:
1. Mind mapping
Mind Mapping is a basic technique that involves writing your subject in the center of a piece of paper or notecard. Then, write branching or connected ideas all around your theme, using simple words or phrases. You can build upon the words you put surrounding your subject to write additional connected notions.
When you’re finished, go over your mind map and look for single concepts or sentences that have emerged. You can also look for opposing opinions or topics. Find one idea from the map. You may need to remove certain words or ideas; you do not have to include everything.
2. Free Writing
In free writing, all you have to do is write whatever that comes to mind regarding your topic. Unlike mind mapping, free writing involves writing in entire sentences. You can even divide your text into paragraphs, but it is not necessary.
For this strategy, I would set a timer to instill a sense of urgency in your head, so you are not free to write all day. Allow your thoughts to flow straight onto the paper rather than analyzing or filtering them as you write.
If you are dissatisfied with the results, you may always set the timer and start over, but don’t do this too frequently. It’s only brainstorming, after all.
3. Listing
Sit down with a notepad or piece of paper. Write your subject at the top of the notepad, then number your paper to ten or twenty. Just write your numbers down the margin of the paper. You can go beyond twenty if you like, but you probably won’t need to.
Write a list of twenty ideas, phrases, or words that come to mind when you think of your subject. Write these things in the order that they come to your mind. Try to write quickly with as few pauses as possible. Stop when you get to the bottom of your list.
Step 3: Plan your structure
Now that you have a subject for the poem, and have decided what you want to say about that subject, it’s time to structure your poem.
Choose a moment in your life that is relevant to your selected topic. In your poetry, you will recount the scene from its natural beginning to its natural end. As you structure the poem, consider how you may illustrate your idea.
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Step 4: Experiment with figurative language
Although free verse poems are generally regarded to be free of the constraints of traditional poetic forms, this does not preclude the use of metaphorical language.
Many free verse poets think that using metaphorical language enhances the depth and richness of their work.
Simile, metaphor, and personification are powerful techniques for creating vivid visuals and communicating complicated ideas. So don’t be scared to use metaphorical language in your free verse poetry; it could be the secret to elevating your work to the next level.
Step 5: Write your first draft
Writing the first draft of a free-verse poem can be an exciting experience. With free verse, there are no rules to follow in terms of rhyme or meter. This means that you can focus on expressing your thoughts and feelings without worrying about whether or not they fit into a prescribed format.
When writing your first draft, don’t be scared to experiment with new words and visuals. The main thing is to capture your true voice on the paper. Don’t forget to describe your personal tale with imagery and metaphorical language to add a lyrical touch.
Step 6: Proofread & Edit
Lastly, read the poem aloud to yourself. This process will help you to catch any errors in grammar or punctuation, as well as any awkward phrasing. If possible, have someone else read the poem aloud; sometimes, it’s easier to catch mistakes when you’re not the one reading.
Also, take a look at the overall structure of the poem. Is it balanced, or does it seem lopsided? Are there any parts that feel excessive or out of place? Rearranging or cutting out some of the lines may help improve the poem’s flow.
Tips on How To Write A Free Verse Poem
Writing free verse poetry requires a shift in mindset. Here are some tips to help you:
1. Experiment with language
Experiment with the sounds, rhythms, and textures of words. Alliteration, assonance, and onomatopoeia can help produce melody and improve the overall aesthetic of your poetry.
2. Be spontaneous
Allow your thoughts and emotions to guide you without regard for formal structures. Concentrate on capturing the core of your message rather than adhering to established guidelines.
3. Play with line breaks
Experiment with line breaks to add emphasis, rhythm, and improve the flow of your poem. Break lines at unexpected moments to surprise and engage the reader.
4. Use clear imagery
Using vivid imagery might help to engage the senses. Create vivid pictures with words that appeal to sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. Allow the visuals to resonate with your readers, drawing them into your universe.
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5. Use figurative language
Metaphors, similes, and other figures of speech enhance the depth and significance of your poem. Use them to express complex emotions or topics in an interesting and thought-provoking manner.
How To Know When You’ve Written A Good Free Verse Poem
The success of your free verse poem lies in its ability to evoke emotions, create vivid imagery, and resonate with the reader.
Here are some pointers that show you have crafted a successful free verse poem:
- Emotional impact: Your poem elicits a powerful emotional response from the reader, such as joy, grief, amazement, or introspection.
- Authenticity: A successful free verse poetry displays your unique voice and perspective. It portrays your emotions, thoughts, or experiences in a sincere and authentic manner, resonating with the reader emotionally.
- Originality: Your poem presents a unique perspective or method, offering new insights or shedding light on a previously overlooked topic. At Free the Verse, we like reading poetry that could never have been written by anybody else.
- Engaging language: A successful free verse poem captures the reader’s attention and keeps them interested throughout. It draws them in with appealing language, vivid imagery, and a feeling of narrative or thematic coherence.
- Resonance: A successful free verse poetry sticks in the reader’s consciousness, eliciting strong emotional responses or prompting thinking and meditation. It leaves a lasting impression and encourages the reader to return to its words, discovering new layers of meaning with each reading.
FAQs On How to Write a Free Verse Poem
A free verse poem is a type of poetry that does not follow any set rules of rhyme, meter, or structure. Unlike traditional forms of poetry, it gives the poet freedom to express thoughts and emotions without being bound to a specific format.
To start, focus on an idea, feeling, or subject that you want to explore. Free verse is about expression, so there are no rigid structures to follow. Begin with an image or thought and let your mind flow naturally without worrying about rhyme or meter.
A free verse poem can be as short or as long as you like. The length depends on how much you have to express. Some free verse poems are a few lines, while others can stretch across multiple pages.
Conclusion
Free verse poetry allows poets to escape the confines of traditional frameworks and explore the broad landscape of creative expression. By embracing this technique, you may tune in and discover your voice, writing verses that fascinate, inspire, and challenge.
References
- artofnarrative.com – How to Write a Free Verse Poem: a Step by Step Guide
- free-the-verse.com – How to Write a Free Verse Poem, with examples from our Poetry Magazine
