Writing a Poem

Why me?

It was on a family caravan holiday in rural Shropshire I wrote my first poem. It may have been the warm summer sun or the ghost of Housman. I believe those long lost poetry schooldays bubbling away like hidden lava, rose to the surface and slowly spread their influence over the ensuing years.

Why not me?

There are occasions in public life when people write memorable and excellent poems at family weddings, anniversaries and birthdays or even at funerals. 
The majority of poems rhyme and many contain a delightful sense of humour. Others are written in free verse. 

My aim in teaching poetry to beginners is to uncover students’ ability - no matter age or experience - and to develop this. What follows is a growing confidence, raising of self esteem and written proof it is possible.
Ideas for writing poems are to be found all around us, observing how people act and behave, landscape and cityscape, newspapers, paintings, adverts, overheard conversations, humour, stories, pets, inanimate objects etc.

A good tip is to carry a small notebook (and a pen), wherever you go - jot down a few notes when something catches your eye or ear or touch or taste or feeling. Reading poetry books also gives ideas. Sometimes the actual writing of a poem comes very quickly but the majority of the time you have to work at it, draft, edit and redraft until satisfied. So why not try?

N.B.
If you wish to comment on what I have written here or anything else concerning poetry, please contact me by email. I shall be interested in your opinions.  I would welcome a Comments Page on Poetry Mine!.