To write a poem, you must first feel. The poem may, ultimately, become an intellectual message or lesson but, it must start out as a feeling. And that feeling must possess you to the point that it simply must be born onto the page, becoming words, becoming poetry.
Perhaps it is loneliness you are feeling. To find the words to express that loneliness, think in terms of your five senses.
What does that loneliness look like? Is it the mist settling on the sea? Is it the dawn breaking, gray and sullen? Is it the night sky, devoid of stars?
What does loneliness sound like? Is it a train whistle off in the distance? Is it the call of the mourning dove? Is it a drip, drip, drip from a faucet leaking, in the night?
What does loneliness taste like? Is it sour as lemons? Is it dry as stale bread? Is it syrupy and overly sweet like maple syrup on your tongue?
What does loneliness feel like? Is it soft as old cotton? Is it cold as winter wind leaking in through a drafty window? Is it hard and coarse as old dry wood?
What does loneliness smell like? Is it the musty smell of a dimly lit attic? Is it the faint, lingering smell of perfume? Is it the scent of dead roses?
And finally, how does loneliness make you feel? Is it the feeling of being lost and cold and calling for help but no one answers? Is it the dread of cold sheets as you toss and turn, alone, hoping for sleep? Is it the feeling of tears that cannot be shed?
To write a poem, you must first feel. Then, translate that feeling into words that form images that take us, the reader, to that place, that feeling, that moment that you have known and are now, sharing with us.
Write on… – Susan