Do you need to think about writing or editing poetry differently if you are writing for catharsis or if you specifically wish to share ideas with an audience?

I would love to hear your thoughts and your personal approach.

Poetry can be written on almost any subject. It simply needs to be writing that expresses feelings and ideas with style and rhythm. However it’s good if it speaks to others, that it touches others unless we write only for ourselves.

There are so many different reasons poetry is written. Some people write poetry because they feel it is more expressive than prose. Others find that poetry allows them to communicate their ideas or their feelings in a more concise way. Some people write poetry as a form of catharsis to work out the trauma of a life event or to help with the throes of a mental health crisis. Still others may enjoy the challenge of working within the strict confines of a poetic form. Others choose poetry for the challenge of expressing their ideas and emotions through the medium of words portrayed in a concise and musical form they love to conjure with words and the chimes and trophes that can be achieved.

Prose may be easier to write in a literal sense if it is argued that poetry requires greater creativity and linguistic skill because ideas and emotions have to be painted in fewer words and a few lines. Although there are many contrary arguments.

There is a whole debate about what is a ‘good poem’ because different poems will appeal to different people and what appears good to one reader or one group will not appeal to another.

A ‘good poem’ can be difficult to write, but the challenge can be part of the appeal.Poetry for general consumption should be written in such a way that there is room for the reader to interpret the poem and apply its meaning to her/his life.

Many poets write straight from their minds and might read but never edit their work. They feel their muse is sacrosanct. I don’t agree with that view. I think the first outpouring from the ‘muse’ is a starting point. We get an idea and the words flow but it is often a whole poem disgorged in a frenzy of creativity. But we haven’t necessarily chosen the best words for meaning, sound and rhythm. The words might be ok, they might be good but the best??

To me the poem at this stage is a work in progress, we should read it, tweak grammar and flow then leave it for several days. Then read it again away from the hot passion of conception. Now it needs reading out loud, we need to check for excessive verbiage, check our imagery, consider word choice, check if lines and/or stanzas are in the best order, that our line breaks make sense. Examine the words for meaning, sounds and musical flow.

Writing Poetry should encourage the poet to search for the perfect words, emotive imagery, and a way to touch their reader to make a lasting impression.

MaryB