Juxtapose Unexpected Ideas or Images for Added Impact

Welcome! I’m participating in the #BlogchatterA2Z challenge where I’ll share 26 posts on the theme “The Poet’s Alphabet: 26 Secrets for Crafting Beautiful Poetry”. In each post, I’ll offer bite-sized tips and tricks for crafting and perfectly editing poetry. Today’s tip is:

Juxtapose Unexpected Ideas or Images for Added Impact

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Juxtaposition is a literary device that involves placing two contrasting or unexpected things side by side in order to create a dramatic effect or make a point. By bringing together two contrasting ideas, images, or objects, the writer is able to emphasize their differences and create a sense of tension or surprise for the reader.

By pairing unexpected ideas or images together, you can create poems that surprise, delight or at times shock your readers. For example, you could write a poem about love that compares it to a thunderstorm – unexpected, but powerful. Combining two seemingly unrelated ideas or images can create a sense of surprise and wonder in the reader. Another example would be, “The moon was a pale, distant eye watching over the city.”

Juxtaposition can be used in many different ways in poetry, such as contrasting light and dark imagery, pairing together seemingly opposite emotions or ideas, or bringing together unexpected metaphors or similes. This technique can be used to create a variety of effects, from creating a sense of irony or humour to highlighting social or political issues.

Some of my favourite juxtaposed images are as follows:

From Kamala Das’s poem “An Introduction”: “I am sinner, I am saint. I am the beloved and the betrayed.” Here, Kamala Das juxtaposes the ideas of sin and sainthood, as well as love and betrayal, to convey the complexities of her identity.

From Nissim Ezekiel’s poem “Night of the Scorpion”: “May the poison purify your flesh of desire, and your spirit of ambition, they said.” Here, Ezekiel juxtaposes the idea of poison as a purifying agent with the traditional values of spirituality and detachment, highlighting the cultural beliefs and superstitions of the villagers in the poem.

Here are some lines with juxtaposed images which you may try using in your poems:

  1. The moon wept tears of silver on the battlefield of love.
  2. The morning sun revealed the broken bones of the city.
  3. The rose bloomed in the shadow of the thorn.
  4. The laughter of children echoed through the halls of death.
  5. The sky was a canvas of fire and ice.
  6. The ocean waves whispered secrets to the stars.
  7. The wind carried the scent of jasmine and decay.
  8. The silence of the night was shattered by the screams of the day.
  9. The butterfly danced with the shadows of the dead.
  10. The river flowed with the blood of the earth.

Hope you found this tip useful.

See you with another tip, tomorrow.

This post is a part of the #BlogchatterA2Z 2023 challenge.

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Invest Time in Reading and Studying Poetry

Welcome! I’m participating in the #BlogchatterA2Z challenge where I’ll share 26 posts on the theme “The Poet’s Alphabet: 26 Secrets for Crafting Beautiful Poetry”. In each post, I’ll offer bite-sized tips and tricks for crafting and perfectly editing poetry. Today’s tip is:

Invest Time in Reading and Studying Poetry

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Reading widely and studying the work of other poets can help you develop your own craft and broaden your understanding of different forms, styles, and techniques. You can find inspiration in the work of poets who came before you and learn from their successes and failures.

For example, by reading Sylvia Plath’s poetry, you can learn about her use of dark and intense imagery to explore themes of mental health and identity. By reading Langston Hughes’ poetry, you can learn about his use of African American Vernacular English and his exploration of themes related to race and identity.

Rabindranath Tagore’s poetry often explores themes of love, spirituality, and nature, and his use of language is lyrical and evocative. Tagore’s work can teach aspiring poets about the use of metaphor and symbolism to create vivid imagery. Kamala Das’s poetry often explores themes of female sexuality, identity, and the human condition. Her writing style is known for being direct and confessional, and her use of imagery is vivid and powerful. Das’s work can teach aspiring poets about the importance of writing honestly and fearlessly.

Thus, by studying the work of these and other poets, you can gain a deeper understanding of different forms, styles, and techniques of poetry and apply these learnings to their own writing and develop your own unique style and voice.

Hope you found this tip useful.

See you with another tip, tomorrow.

This post is a part of the #BlogchatterA2Z 2023 challenge.

24310cookie-checkInvest Time in Reading and Studying Poetry

Harness the Power of Metaphors and Similes

Welcome! I’m participating in the #BlogchatterA2Z challenge where I’ll share 26 posts on the theme “The Poet’s Alphabet: 26 Secrets for Crafting Beautiful Poetry”. In each post, I’ll offer bite-sized tips and tricks for crafting and perfectly editing poetry. Today’s tip is:

Harness the Power of Metaphors and Similes

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Metaphors and similes are two figures of speech that writers use to compare one thing to another to create a specific effect. They can add depth and meaning to your poetry by comparing one thing to another.

For example, “the night was a black velvet cloak, wrapping itself around the city” creates a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. As another example of a metaphor, instead of saying “I am sad,” you could say “My heart is a broken window, shattered into a million pieces.”

Metaphors and similes can be incredibly powerful tools for creating imagery. They also help in conveying complex ideas in a concise and memorable way, making writing more effective and impactful.

Here’s an example of a simile in a poem comparing the beach sunset to a bride’s blush:

The beach sunset blushed like a bride,
As the sky's warm hues of pink and orange
Mirrored the beauty of a blushing bride
On her wedding day, full of love and warmth.

Suggested Read:

Hope you found this tip useful.

See you with another tip, tomorrow.

This post is a part of the #BlogchatterA2Z 2023 challenge.

24150cookie-checkHarness the Power of Metaphors and Similes

Get Feedback From Other Poets or Writing Groups

Welcome! I’m participating in the #BlogchatterA2Z challenge where I’ll share 26 posts on the theme “The Poet’s Alphabet: 26 Secrets for Crafting Beautiful Poetry”. In each post, I’ll offer bite-sized tips and tricks for crafting and perfectly editing poetry. Today’s tip is:

Get Feedback From Other Poets or Writing Groups

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Getting feedback on your poetry is an essential part of the writing process. It can help you identify areas where you can improve, discover strengths you might not have recognized, and gain valuable insights into how your work is being received by others.

Sharing your poetry with others can be intimidating, but it’s crucial to remember that constructive feedback is essential to growth as a writer. By sharing your work with others, you are inviting them to offer suggestions and insights that can help you improve your craft.

While receiving feedback from general readers can be helpful (more on that in another post), seeking feedback from other poets or writing groups can be particularly advantageous. This is because poets and writers are more likely to have a deep understanding of the craft of writing, including elements such as form, style, and structure.

Suggested Read:

Poets and writers are also more likely to be familiar with the conventions and expectations of the genre, which can help them provide feedback that is more focused and insightful. For example, a fellow poet may be able to provide feedback on your use of imagery or metaphors, while a writer in a writing group may offer suggestions on how to improve the pacing of your narrative.

In addition, seeking feedback from other poets or writers can also provide opportunities for collaboration and networking. Writing can be a solitary pursuit, but connecting with others who share your passion can be a valuable source of support and encouragement. You may even be able to form writing groups or attend workshops, where you can receive ongoing feedback and support for your work.

Two communities that have particularly helped me in my writing and poetry journey are Blogchatter and Bound India. They provide valuable sessions on writing and poetry, offer a supportive community, and provide constructive feedback through workshops or regular engagement and feedback on my work to help me hone my skills.

Overall, seeking feedback from other poets or writing groups can be a powerful tool for improving your poetry. By being open to feedback and willing to revise your work, you can take your writing to the next level and develop your unique voice as a poet.

See you with another tip, tomorrow.

This post is a part of the #BlogchatterA2Z 2023 challenge.

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Focus On Creating a Strong Opening and Closing Line

Welcome! I’m participating in the #BlogchatterA2Z challenge where I’ll share 26 posts on the theme “The Poet’s Alphabet: 26 Secrets for Crafting Beautiful Poetry”. In each post, I’ll offer bite-sized tips and tricks for crafting and perfectly editing poetry. Today’s tip is:

Focus On Creating a Strong Opening and Closing Line

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The first and last lines of a poem are often the most memorable, so it’s important to make them count. Your opening line should grab the reader’s attention and draw them into the poem, while your closing line should leave a lasting impression. The opening and closing lines of a poem are like bookends that hold everything together. Try to create lines that are memorable, and evocative, and set the tone for the rest of the poem.

Maya Angelou’s poem “Phenomenal Woman” is a great example of the importance of strong opening and closing lines. The poem begins with the lines,

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size   
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.

These lines immediately set the tone for the rest of the poem, as Angelou challenges conventional beauty standards and asserts the power and confidence of a woman who is comfortable in her own skin.

The closing lines of the poem are equally strong and memorable, as Angelou writes,

It’s in the click of my heels,   
The bend of my hair,   
the palm of my hand,   
The need for my care.   
’Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

These lines bring the poem full circle, reminding the reader of the central message and leaving a lasting impression. The opening and closing lines of “Phenomenal Woman” serve as the bookends that hold the entire poem together and make it a powerful and memorable work.

So I hope, next time you start with a poem or edit a poem, this tip comes in handy!

See you with another tip, tomorrow.

This post is a part of the #BlogchatterA2Z 2023 challenge.

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Embrace Vulnerability and Honesty in Your Writing

Welcome! I’m participating in the #BlogchatterA2Z challenge where I’ll share 26 posts on the theme “The Poet’s Alphabet: 26 Secrets for Crafting Beautiful Poetry”. In each post, I’ll offer bite-sized tips and tricks for crafting and perfectly editing poetry. Today’s tip is:

Embrace Vulnerability and Honesty in Your Writing

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It’s important as a poet to not be afraid to explore and express your true feelings and experiences, even if they are difficult or uncomfortable. This can help create a deeper emotional connection with your readers and make your poetry more relatable and impactful. When you embrace vulnerability and honesty in your poetry, you open up the possibility for a deeper emotional connection with your readers.

For example, consider a poem that explores the pain of heartbreak. Instead of simply describing the experience, a vulnerable and honest approach might involve delving deeper into the emotions behind the heartbreak. This could mean writing about the feelings of rejection, abandonment, and loss that accompany a breakup. By being honest about these difficult emotions, you invite your readers to empathize with your experience and perhaps even find comfort in the fact that they are not alone in their own struggles.

One famous example of a heartbreak poem that embraces vulnerability is “When You Are Old” by W.B. Yeats. In this poem, Yeats reflects on lost love and the passage of time, expressing a deep sense of regret and longing for what could have been. The opening lines set the tone:

“When you are old and grey and full of sleep, And nodding by the fire, take down this book, And slowly read, and dream of the soft look Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;”

As the poem progresses, Yeats continues to explore his feelings of heartbreak and regret, using vivid imagery and sensory details to evoke the emotions he is feeling. He writes:

“But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you, And loved the sorrows of your changing face;”

This line is a poignant expression of vulnerability, as Yeats acknowledges the pain and sadness that accompany the passage of time and the loss of love. By embracing his own vulnerability and putting it into words, Yeats creates a powerful poem that has resonated with readers for over a century.

Hope this tip and example give you enough courage to embrace your vulnerability.

Suggested Read: Here’s a poem penned by me on how to dissolve yourself as a poet, embracing vulnerability and honesty.

Hope you found today’s tip useful!

See you with another tip, tomorrow.

This post is a part of the #BlogchatterA2Z 2023 challenge.

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Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment With Form and Structure

Welcome! I’m participating in the #BlogchatterA2Z challenge where I’ll share 26 posts on the theme “The Poet’s Alphabet: 26 Secrets for Crafting Beautiful Poetry”. In each post, I’ll offer bite-sized tips and tricks for crafting and perfectly editing poetry. Today’s tip is:

Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment With Form and Structure

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When writing poetry, experimenting with form and structure can be a great way to explore new creative possibilities. For example, if you typically write in free verse, trying out a structured form like a sonnet or villanelle can provide a welcome challenge and new inspiration for your writing.

For example, if you typically write in free verse, trying out a structured form like a sonnet or villanelle can provide a welcome challenge and new inspiration for your writing.

One of the benefits of writing in a structured form is that it can force you to focus on specific rules or guidelines, which can actually enhance your creativity. For instance, a sonnet requires 14 lines with a specific rhyme scheme and meter, which can provide a framework for your ideas to take shape. Working within these constraints can help you to develop a sense of discipline and rhythm in your writing.

On the other hand, if you typically write within a structured form, breaking out of that mould and trying something new can be beneficial. Experimenting with free verse, for example, can provide more flexibility and allow you to explore different rhythms and patterns in your writing.

It can be fun experimenting with form and structure in poetry and an exciting way to push your creative boundaries and explore new possibilities in your writing. Here are some tips on how to do it:

  1. Study different poetic forms: Before you start experimenting with form and structure, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with different poetic forms. Read and study different forms such as sonnets, villanelles, sestinas, ghazals, and haikus. This will give you a better understanding of how different forms work and how they can be used to convey meaning.
  2. Start with a basic form: If you’re new to writing in structured forms, start with a basic form like a haiku or a sonnet. This will give you a framework to work within and help you to focus on your ideas.
  3. Break the rules: Once you’re comfortable with a form, try breaking the rules. For example, a sonnet typically has 14 lines, but what if you wrote a sonnet with 10 or 16 lines? Or, you could try writing a haiku that doesn’t follow the traditional 5-7-5 syllable count.
  4. Experiment with white space: The arrangement of words on the page can be just as important as the words themselves. Try experimenting with placing words and lines on the page to create new meanings and effects.
  5. Try using repetition: A repetition is a powerful tool in poetry. Try repeating a word, phrase, or line throughout your poem to create a sense of rhythm or emphasis.
  6. Use punctuation creatively: Punctuation can be used creatively to create pauses, breaks, and emphasis in your poetry. Try experimenting with different punctuation marks to create new effects.
  7. Don’t be afraid to combine forms: You can also experiment by combining different forms or styles in one poem. For example, you could write a sonnet that incorporates elements of a haiku or a free verse poem that uses rhyming couplets.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and be creative. Experimenting with form and structure can be a great way to discover new techniques, styles, and ideas in your poetry.

Here is an example of how experimentation with form and structure can transform a poem. Initially, I started writing the below poem as free verse without any particular structure. However, as I played with the poem’s rhyming scheme and white space, I discovered that I could incorporate a more structured form into my writing Check out the poem here:

Let me know what you think about experimenting with the structure or format of a poem. Also, if you have some experimental poems to share, feel free to drop the link to your poem in the comment section. I will be happy to read and engage!

Hope you found today’s tip useful!

See you with another tip, tomorrow.

This post is a part of the #BlogchatterA2Z 2023 challenge.

Know The Author

Seethalakshmi (aka) Preethi

Blogger| Mother| Writer | Poet | Book Reviewer

I am an Indian homemaker, mother, and writer armed with a pen, a flair for
poetry, and a passion for peace. My works have been published on platforms such as
Inkspire, Women’s Web, BeStorified, Gentleness Ambassadors and the Great Indian Anthology.

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Choose Precise and Descriptive Words To Create Strong Imagery

Welcome! I’m participating in the #BlogchatterA2Z challenge where I’ll share 26 posts on the theme “The Poet’s Alphabet: 26 Secrets for Crafting Beautiful Poetry”. In each post, I’ll offer bite-sized tips and tricks for crafting and perfectly editing poetry. Today’s tip is:

Choose Precise and Descriptive Words To Create Strong Imagery

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Poetry is all about painting vivid pictures with words. Using precise and descriptive language can transport your reader to another time or place. For example, instead of saying “the sky was blue,” you could say “the azure heavens stretched out before us.”

Instead of using a vague word like “nice,” try to choose a more specific adjective that captures the essence of what you’re trying to convey. For example, instead of “nice weather,” you could say “crisp autumn air with a hint of wood smoke in the breeze.”

Hope you find this tip useful!

See you with another tip, tomorrow.

This post is a part of the #BlogchatterA2Z 2023 challenge.

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Brainstorm Ideas and Write Them Down as Soon as They Come To You

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Welcome! I’m participating in the #BlogchatterA2Z challenge where I’ll be sharing 26 posts on the theme “The Poet’s Alphabet: 26 Secrets for Crafting Beautiful Poetry”. In each post, I’ll offer bite-sized tips and tricks for crafting and editing poetry to perfection. Today’s tip is:

Brainstorm Ideas and Write Them Down as Soon as They Come To You

Ideas are the cornerstone of a poet or writer. They arrive in waves, often unexpectedly, and are transient in nature. Therefore, it is essential to capture them as they arise. Keep a notebook or voice recorder handy at all times to capture your ideas whenever and wherever they strike. You can jot down lines, images, or ideas for future poems.

Brainstorming ideas and jotting them down as soon as they come to you is important for several reasons. First, it helps you capture your initial thoughts and emotions before they fade away or become diluted. Writing down ideas also allows you to visually organize and prioritize them, which can help you develop your poem more effectively.

In addition, brainstorming can help you generate new and unexpected ideas. By allowing yourself to write freely without judgement or self-censorship, you may come up with ideas you might not have thought of otherwise. And once you have a list of ideas to work with, you can begin to refine and develop them into a coherent and compelling poem.

Here is an example of how I brainstormed ideas for a poem on a beach sunset:

  • Colours: Orange, red, pink, golden, azure
  • Sounds: Gentle lapping, lullaby, whispering breeze
  • Sensations: Sea spray, the coolness of sand between the toes, salty sticky air kissing the skin
  • Imagery: Silhouetted palm trees, dancing shadows, rippled reflections, crystalline waters, sleeping dead corals, thundering waves
  • Emotions: Serenity, nostalgia, transcendence, meditative

Please keep in mind that jotting down your ideas shouldn’t detract from being present at the moment. It’s important to fully experience the moment as it happens. However, as soon as you are out of it, make it a priority to jot down your ideas at the earliest opportunity. This way, you can capture the essence of the moment while it’s still fresh in your mind and use it to craft a beautiful poem.

Hope you find this tip useful!

See you with another tip, tomorrow.

This post is a part of the #BlogchatterA2Z 2023 challenge.

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Avoid Clichés and Overused Phrases

The Poet's Alphabet - #BlogchatterA2Z challenge
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Welcome! I’m participating in the #BlogchatterA2Z challenge where I’ll be sharing 26 posts on the theme “The Poet’s Alphabet: 26 Secrets for Crafting Beautiful Poetry”. In each post, I’ll offer bite-sized tips and tricks for crafting and editing poetry to perfection. Today’s tip is:

Avoid clichés and overused phrases

It’s easy to fall into the trap of using clichés or overused phrases when writing poetry. However, these types of phrases can make your work feel uninspired and unoriginal. Instead, strive to find unique and fresh ways to express your ideas. For example, instead of saying “quiet as a mouse,” you could say “silent as the stillness of midnight.”

Instead of using a tired phrase like “time heals all wounds,” try to come up with a more original way of expressing the same sentiment. For example, “the scars of yesterday may fade, but their memory lingers on.”

See you with another tip, tomorrow.

This post is a part of the #BlogchatterA2Z 2023 challenge.

23600cookie-checkAvoid Clichés and Overused Phrases