Writing Poetry: A Personal Perspective on Styles and Preferences

Every writer has their own preferences and styles when it comes to the craft of writing. Some find prose a more natural and flexible medium, while others are drawn to the structured nature of poetry. This article delves into my personal experiences with poetry and the challenges I face when writing this form of literature.

Choosing a Genre: My Perspective

There are various genres within poetry, and often, writers have their own tastes when it comes to what they prefer to write. For me, religion is a subject that I choose to avoid, as it is everyone's sacred right and personal choice. This decision stems from a sense of respect and understanding that everyone has their own spiritual beliefs and practices.

One example of a poem that I have written focuses on the theme of modernization. In A New World Disorder, I explore the transformation of family dynamics and social interactions in a rapidly changing society. The poem highlights the shift from a community-oriented setting where families would gather to play games and spend time together to a more isolated and perhaps shallow interaction with modern TV shows like Game of Thrones.

A New World Disorder
The rubble left behind by a bulldozer
Neatly paves way for a new world order
Where families once sat in their yards
Talking it out, playing a game of cards
And grandchildren messed up a play
Intentionally or by hands muddied in clay
Reprimanded not for their innocent act
For when kids play, Patience is a pact.
The stubble left behind by a dull razor
Neatly carved into a new world disorder
Families now sit on an L-shaped couch
Glaring it out, watching Game of Thrones
A bulldozer, a razor, a new world order.
We are such… or did someone steal our thunder?

The Unique Challenges of Poetry

While writing poetry can be a rewarding endeavor, it also presents unique challenges. I find that the more structured nature of poetry requires a higher level of planning and attention to detail. Poetry often demands a careful arrangement of words, a thoughtful use of rhyme and rhythm, and a consciousness of the overall structure and form. These elements make the process more meticulously planned and deliberate compared to prose writing, which often flows more naturally.

Again, in the poem A Sonnet, the structured format is even more demanding. Sonnets, in particular, adhere to strict rhyme schemes and line counts, making it a challenging yet fulfilling genre to craft.

Comparing Poetry and Prose

Prose is often seen as a more organic and flexible form of writing, where the writer can let the story and characters dictate the narrative's direction. Prose does not require a strict structure, and the author can explore various themes and ideas without worrying as much about adhering to a set form. In contrast, poetry is more structured, with a focus on creating a specific mood and conveying a particular message through carefully chosen words, rhyming patterns, and rhythm.

Prose allows for more fluidity and creativity as it can be as concise or elaborate as the writer desires. The narrative can take unexpected turns, and the prose can be interwoven with personal reflections or broader commentary on society and human nature. Poetry, on the other hand, often demands greater conciseness and precision, with each word chosen for its emotional and metaphoric impact.

The difference between poetry and prose is like the difference between pulling the petals off a flower one by one and puffing the seeds of a dandelion into the wind. Each method has its own charm and purpose, but poetry requires a more deliberate and controlled approach.

My personal experience with poetry has taught me the importance of planning and structure. While I find the creative aspects of poetry rewarding, the process itself is demanding and requires a great deal of thought and effort. For some, the organic nature of prose may be more appealing, while for others, the structured challenge of poetry may be more inviting.

Ultimately, the choice between prose and poetry depends on the writer's personality, the message they wish to convey, and the experiences they wish to explore through their writing. Whether one gravitates towards the flexibility of prose or the structured elegance of poetry, the craft of writing is a deeply personal and rewarding journey.