Exploring the Journey of Crafting a Poem: A Step-by-Step Guide
Written on
Chapter 1: The Inspiration Behind the Poem
A friend once inquired about my poetry process, asking, "How do you manage it?" My response was simple: I just jot down a first draft and then proceed to "cut, cut, cut." However, I realized there was more to it. I'm fascinated by how others create, so I thought I'd share the evolution of one particular poem.
It's important to note: I’m not instructing anyone on how to write a poem; I'm merely recounting how I developed this specific piece. The journey began during a Wordsmiths' Weekly online weekend event where the prompt was "Where I'm From." Although the prompt had clear guidelines, I took a more flexible approach. My 30-minute free writing session resulted in four and a half pages, as shown in the image below.
Section 1.1: Breaking Free from the Prompt
I pushed against the confines of the prompt. While reflecting on our roots can evoke nostalgia, and I had written such a poem before, I was curious about the various interpretations of "from." My free writing explored those diverse meanings. The initial paragraph—which I later crossed out—discussed highway exits and the overwhelming number of people in New Jersey, my home state. The second paragraph shifted focus to my current environment.
"I get where you're coming from."
On the second page, I riffed on my surroundings in Maine—the state of the roads, a mention of my wife injuring her ankle on a pothole, and a paraphrase of a letter between brothers about Maine’s rocky terrain compared to New Jersey’s scarcity of rocks.
Eventually, I landed on the line, "I make meatloaf with my mom's recipe—"
This marked our transition onto the main theme.
Section 1.2: Delving into Ancestry
I began reflecting on our ancestors. Who do we derive from? My thoughts wandered to my upbringing in the church, culminating in a note about Jack Kerouac’s influence on the men in my family.
Phew! Thirty minutes had passed!
A few days later, I revisited my draft. The first typing of a piece often serves as a crucial edit; it’s like selecting your clay. Here’s how it started:
everything i am from i make meatloaf from my mom's recipe — though it's vegan. and i also make her chocolate cake. i close the shower curtain because she taught me about mold, and i clean the sink after shaving because she freaked out at me about it that one time. i wish i were a size 38 because mom always thought i was a size 38, even though i've always been a size 40. i am from discontent — my dad's grievances provided a model, and my mom's optimism about humanity left me disillusioned — i am not from misanthropy, but I come by it honestly. i come from the morals instilled by the church I attended — i wasn’t deceitful about those, even if they were — my ethics found roots in comic books — and every man in my family owns a copy of On the Road, and I assure you: Jack Kerouac has done my family no favors. I constantly question if I will act rightly.
Reflecting on the free write and the various components I extracted, I realized the need for cuts.
Chapter 2: Refining the Poem
As I continued editing, I recognized that the poem had become focused on my mom. Given her passing in 2004, this was only the second poem I had ever dedicated to her, making it essential to keep the focus clear. This meant significant cuts and a crucial addition.
I decided to remove the entire prose section as it strayed from the core theme. Although it contained good material, it belonged to a different poem.
I modified the line about the shower curtain from "told" to "taught" and removed the mold reference because it was too distracting. Specificity is valuable, but only if it aligns with what I want the audience to consider.
Additionally, I included a brief verse reflecting her phrase, "well, it's gotta be here somewhere!" Her voice is vital in this poem, and I can hear it clearly in my mind.
The nearly final version emerged as follows:
The mention of vegan was significant as it illustrates my connection to my mom while also highlighting my individuality. I pondered over the use of parentheses, as they not only imply an aside but also convey a tone of voice, guiding the reader's understanding. The purple edits came from my poetry friend, Anne Jennings Paris, who provided valuable feedback. The closing line reflects my struggle to reconcile my experiences with my mother’s hope for humanity, which I seek to reclaim.
I’m eager to learn about your own poetic journeys. I find discussions about writing techniques enthralling, and the most intriguing question anyone can pose is, "What led you to that decision?"
The aspects I cut aren’t lost; they may very well sprout into new poems.
This is precisely what we'll discuss at the Writing to Be Read Retreat in October. Alongside 15 other talented writers and editors, I’ll be at the Omega Center in Rhinebeck, NY. For more information, click here!
Moreover, any aspiring writer is welcome to join us at Wordsmiths' Weekly, held every Sunday afternoon at 3:00 PM Eastern Time!
Chapter 3: Video Insights on Poetic Crafting
In this video, "How I Make My Poem Videos," the creator shares insights into their poem-making process, providing an engaging look at their creative methods.
In "LEARN How to Write a Poem in just 3 MINUTES!! | Gawa ni Kahel," viewers can discover quick and effective techniques for writing poetry, perfect for both beginners and seasoned writers alike.