How to Write a Free Verse Poem, with examples from our Poetry Magazine
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Traditions and so-called ‘rules’ have historically dominated the medium of poetry—dictating the structure, rhythm and even subject of published poems. But the revolution is here! It comes in the form of a movement that breaks away from these conventions in favour of creative freedom. Enter free verse poetry, a liberating form that empowers poets to express themselves without the constraints of rhyme schemes and meter. In this article, we will explore the world of free verse poetry, its benefits, techniques, and how to write successful free verse poems that captivate the reader's imagination.
The limitations of traditional poetry
While traditional poetry holds a revered place in literary history, it can sometimes create a barrier for those just beginning to explore the world of poetry. The strict adherence to rhyme schemes, meter, and established structures can be intimidating and sometimes discourages aspiring poets from delving into the art form. For newcomers, the pressure to conform to established rules may overshadow their creativity and impede their journey of self-expression – and they may be more drawn to a form of expression that allows them to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without the rigidity of predetermined rules.
What is free verse poetry?
Free verse poetry, as the name suggests, breaks away from the traditional structures and embraces a more flexible approach. It disregards strict rhyme schemes and meter, allowing poets to shape their verses according to the natural rhythm of their thoughts and emotions. Free verse poetry gives poets the freedom to experiment with line breaks, imagery, and language, resulting in a unique and personalized expression of their artistic vision.
Why you should write free verse poetry
There are many reasons to try free verse poetry. Here are just a few:
Creative freedom: One of the primary benefits of free verse poetry is the unparalleled creative freedom it offers. You can break free from the constraints of traditional structures and explore new realms of expression. You can experiment with line breaks, vary the length and rhythm of your verses, and use language in unconventional ways.
Authenticity and individuality: Free verse poetry allows poets to tap into their authentic voice and embrace their individuality. By disregarding strict rhyme schemes and meter, you can focus on conveying your ideas and emotions genuinely and organically. Writing free verse poems can encourage personal exploration and empower you to develop your own distinct style and voice.
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 free verse poetry
Writing free verse poetry requires a shift in mindset. Here are some techniques and considerations to help you:
Embrace spontaneity: Allow your thoughts and emotions to guide you without worrying about strict structures. Focus on capturing the essence of your message rather than conforming to predetermined rules.
Play with line breaks: Experiment with line breaks to create emphasis, establish rhythm, and enhance the overall flow of your poem. Break lines at unexpected points to surprise and engage the reader.
Use vivid imagery: Engage the senses by incorporating evocative imagery. Paint vivid pictures with words, appealing to sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. Let the images resonate with your readers, immersing them in your world.
Utilize figurative language: Metaphors, similes, and other figures of speech add depth and layers of meaning to your poem. Use them to convey complex emotions or concepts in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
Experiment with language: Play with the sounds, rhythms, and textures of words. Use alliteration, assonance, and onomatopoeia to create musicality and enhance the overall aesthetic of your poem.
Tips for breaking free from traditional poetry conventions
As you embark on your journey into free verse poetry, here are some tips to help you break free from traditional poetry conventions:
Read widely: Immerse yourself in the works of established free verse poets to understand the diverse possibilities and styles within the form. Explore contemporary poets who have embraced the essence of free verse in their work, drawing inspiration from their boundary-pushing techniques.
Trust your instincts: Allow your intuition to guide you. Don't be afraid to take risks and step outside of your comfort zone. Embrace vulnerability and let your own voice emerge through your words.
Seek feedback: Share your work with trusted peers or mentors who can provide constructive feedback. Engaging in discussions and workshops can help you refine your craft and gain new perspectives.
Examples of free verse poems we’ve published
“Chewing Nostalgia” by Cliff Turner | Issue 01: Roots
This poem appeared in our very first issue, Roots. In our interview with Cliff, he described how the poem appeared to him, fully-formed: “I was sitting in my kitchen, experiencing a buzz, snacking on some chips while trying to write another poem. I leaned my head on my hand and heard the sound of my own chewing. For some reason, my mind chose that moment to recognize the rhythm and realized it was incredibly familiar, reaching back to childhood. Suddenly memories started to replay. And so I abandoned the poem I was working on and wrote ‘Chewing Nostalgia’ instead.” The poem shows us how a reflective moment can broaden into a memory and eventually traverse the speaker’s entire life:
He found himself
in a chemically induced reflection
upon the rhythm of his chewing.
The cranial, claustrophobic echo of each crunch,
Hearing turned inward.
A nostalgic sound for him.
Covering his ears at his childhood dinner table.
Listening to his chewing rather than their shouts.
Forty years later the shouting is done,
But to his delight,
The chewing sounds the same.
“Quotidian (III)” by Anda Marcu | Issue 02: High Tide
Anda’s poem about everyday life appeared in our second issue, High Tide. The structure of the poem demonstrates one of the techniques of free verse poetry: using line breaks to influence the flow and pacing of the poem.
I can hear you humming
in the next room,
violently peeling the orange
you dropped with a thud
on the way from the kitchen.
Little boats of bruised citrus skin
white side up
for me to find in the morning
Examples of famous free verse poems
To illustrate the power and versatility of free verse poetry, let's explore three different examples from contemporary poets:
"The Red Wheelbarrow" by William Carlos Williams: This iconic poem by Williams exemplifies the brevity and visual imagery that free verse can offer. With its simple yet profound language, the poem invites readers to appreciate the beauty in ordinary objects and moments.
"A Blessing" by James Wright: Wright beautifully captures a moment of connection and wonder with nature. Through vivid imagery and sensory details, he transports the reader to a place of transcendence and deep appreciation for the world around us.
"When Death Comes" by Mary Oliver: Oliver's poem explores the existential theme of mortality and invites readers to reflect on the significance of living a purposeful and meaningful life. Through her evocative language and reflective tone, she encourages readers to embrace life fully and fearlessly.
How to know when you've written a successful free verse poem
Evaluating the success of a free verse poem lies in its ability to evoke emotions, create vivid imagery, and resonate with the reader. Here are some indicators that you have crafted a successful free verse poem:
Emotional impact: Your poem elicits a strong emotional response from the reader, whether it be joy, sorrow, awe, or introspection.
Authenticity: A successful free verse poem reflects your own voice and perspective. It conveys your emotions, thoughts, or experiences with sincerity and genuineness, resonating with the reader on an emotional level.
Originality: Your poem showcases a unique perspective or approach, offering fresh insights or shedding light on a previously unexplored subject. At Free the Verse, we love reading poems that couldn’t have been written by anyone else.
Engaging language: A successful free verse poem captivates the reader's attention and sustains their interest throughout. It draws them in through compelling language, powerful imagery, and a sense of narrative or thematic cohesion.
Resonance: A successful free verse poem lingers in the reader's mind, evoking a strong emotional response or provoking thought and reflection. It leaves a lasting impression and invites the reader to revisit its words, discovering new layers of meaning with each reading.
Free verse poetry provides an avenue for poets to break free from the constraints of traditional structures and explore the vast landscape of creative expression. By embracing this form, you can tune in and find your voice; crafting verses that captivate, inspire, and challenge. As a magazine, we love free verse poetry – so much that it has even informed our name: Free the Verse.
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