How to Write Poems: A Practical Guide

total number of syllables in a line is used to define the meter

we ignore the differences in duration of the syllables and focus on the loudness and distinction of the spoken

Phonemes are sounds that are represented by one or more letters or symbols

The smallest repeated unit of syllables is called a foot

mythical or literary allusions, then you might need to address your poem to an audience whose members are generally familiar with your allusions

sometimes we simply have to let our poem take the shape that it wants to take, send our poem out into the world, and hope that it finds an understanding and appreciative audience.

If your poem has a regular rhyme and rhythm, then readers will have a better idea of what to expect next

If your poem is short and concise, people might need to read it more than once to get your full meaning

If your vocabulary is simple and your syntax is natural, then people will have an easier time understanding your poem