~Anansi Workshop
In continuing our discussion in
learning about different types and styles of poetry, let's begin by stating
that there are over 50 classifications of poems with new ones always being
created! Some of the most popular types include:
· Acrostic poetry -poetry in which certain letters, usually the first in each line
form a word or message when read in a sequence. Many of the Psalms and Proverbs are acrostic Hebrew poems.
· Haiku
- Japanese poetry composed of three unrhymed lines of five, seven, and five
syllables, usually containing a season word. Americanized Haiku can be about
any subject, but still has the same structure as Japanese Haiku.
· Lyric
Poetry - Poetry that expresses the thoughts and feelings of the poet. Many
songs are written using this type of writing.
· Rhyme Poetry - Poetry that has the repetition of the same or
similar sounds of two or more words, often at the end of the line.
· Narrative
Poetry - Poetry that tells a story.
· Free Verse Poetry – Poetry that does not rhyme, but flows
freely. Spoken Word Poetry is usually done in Lyrical, Narrative, or Free Verse
styles.
Of
all the above styles, Lyric, Rhyme, Narrative and Free Verse poems are the
types that are most often written, read or spoken in poetry venues and churches
because they are the among easiest to understand. Also, within these styles of
poetry, there are several variations among them all!
So, what if you feel that God is leading you to write poetry? How do you get started? One way to start writing poetry is to keep a journal and "free write" for five minutes about whatever you are feeling at that moment. Even if it doesn't make sense, you may get the beginnings of a poem from what you have written. Another way of getting started is to write what is called an "I Am" poem, which is a series of statements and declarations about yourself to get in touch with what inspires or motivates you to write. Remember to write out complete thoughts, and remember not to judge anything that you write, especially while you are in the midst of writing! It's best to write and put your journal away, and read it later from an objective standpoint. Never discard anything that you write, because several weeks, months or years from the time you wrote, you may find something of value that you didn't see at first!
So, what if you feel that God is leading you to write poetry? How do you get started? One way to start writing poetry is to keep a journal and "free write" for five minutes about whatever you are feeling at that moment. Even if it doesn't make sense, you may get the beginnings of a poem from what you have written. Another way of getting started is to write what is called an "I Am" poem, which is a series of statements and declarations about yourself to get in touch with what inspires or motivates you to write. Remember to write out complete thoughts, and remember not to judge anything that you write, especially while you are in the midst of writing! It's best to write and put your journal away, and read it later from an objective standpoint. Never discard anything that you write, because several weeks, months or years from the time you wrote, you may find something of value that you didn't see at first!
Now
that you know how to get started, what are you waiting for? Set aside a time
when you can concentrate, and write from your heart. In our next blog, we will
learn more about how and where to present your poems.
Please enjoy this narrative poem by Jackie Hill of P4CM Poets...
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References: 1.http://www.poemofquotes.com/articles/poetry_forms.php
2 http://ettcweb.lr.k12.nj.us/forms/iampoem.htm
