Poetry Types for Novice Poets

Learning to Write Slightly Difficult Poetic Forms

Aug 15, 2009
Jessica Gleason

Learning to Write Poetry - na

There are hundreds of different types of poetry ranging from the very simple to the incredibly complex. To understand the art of writing poetry they must all be explored.

Each poet has their own style, a voice that is unique to his or her work. This signature may be tied to a single poetry type, making it easy to spot or it could simply be a distinctive voice that accompanies the poets work regardless of the actual form being used.

A poet who limits themselves to one form of poetry is no less amazing than the poet whose writings span the gamut of the genre, it is simply the informed poet that makes the best choices to suit their particular style.

The forms being introduces in this article are perfect for the novice poet; they are simple to understand yet they provide a great challenge for those just learning the art of writing poetry.

Burlesque Poetry

The term "Burlesque" can refer to any type of writing. Basically it means to take a serious topic (ie. War, Pollution, Anorexia) and make greater sense of it through the use of humor. The humor always addresses the topic at hand and is relevant to the ideas being expressed.

This poem is great for the novice poet because it does not have too many restrictions, but it does force the poet to upset their apple cart and think in a different way. Bringing on awareness through humor is a very precise art which will require heavy thought and consideration.

Elegies

An elegy is a poem of mourning. It's purpose is to address the death of an individual in a sad yet thoughtful manner.

This form of poetry prompts writers to reflect upon events and to take a deeper look at surface topics. A successful poet is always both reflective and willing to dig for truth, practicing this type of poem will help bring about those characteristics in the poet.

Sonnets

There are a few different types of sonnets, all of which rely heavily upon structure and rhyme schemes. The most popular form of sonnet is usually the Shakespearean. Only highly skilled poets can create successful sonnets, but they are a great introduction to heavily structured poetry as well as a great introduction to some of poetry's vocabulary words.

The basic sonnet is comprised of 14 lines which usually follow one or more conventional rhyme schemes. The Shakespearean sonnet consists of three quatrains (A quatrain is a stanza consisting of four lines. Lines 2 and 4 must rhyme while having a similar number of syllables.) followed by a couplet (A couplet is a rhyming stanza made up of two lines.).

The rhyme scheme is as follows: ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. Shakespearean sonnets, in most instances, follow iambic pentameter. Iambic pentameter is one short syllable followed by one long syllable five sets in a row.

These are just a few of the many types of poetry available to the budding poet. Once mastered, these poems can express and proliferate with the best of them.