Neopian Poetry 101 Workshop

How do you build a poem? Some people are born with a natural ability to create poetry, just like some people are born with the natural ability to sing. But unlike many of the other arts, the ability to write poetry can be improved by learning how poems are created. For those of you who've never had a creative writing class, terms like alliteration, consonance, and onomatopoeia probably sound like something from a spelling class nightmare! Actually, those words refer to tools that well-respected writers and poets have been using for a very long time to help write outstanding poetry. These terms (and others) are collectively known as poetic devices, and they are used by poets when constructing their poems. Poetic devices aren't rigid "rules" that must be followed. They are ways of making your poem more interesting and beautiful. Don't worry--your poem doesn't have to contain all of the poetic devices. But using one or two of them while building your poem will almost certainly help you produce a higher-quality piece of work. Below are some common poetic devices, their simple definitions, and a few examples to help you understand them a little better.

Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of the words of a line. A good example is "Faerie Flotsams fluttery floating". Notice how all of those words start with "f", and most of them with "fl"? When you see words like that in a poem, you know the poet has used alliteration.

Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds within the words themselves. For example, "Amy the Mynci harmonizes more than many amazing animals". See how the "m" sound is repeated throughout the line? That's consonance. Unlike alliteration, consonance isn't restricted to the beginning of the word. It is used throughout the entire line, and sometimes throughout the entire poem. On a side note, many common tongue-twister poems use both alliteration and consonance very heavily. See if you can figure out a few!

Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words. An example would be "They play in the hay and stay all day". Notice the repeated hard "A" sound? Whenever you repeat a certain vowel sound throughout a line, it's referred to as assonance. Assonance is a little like rhyming, but without the structure. It's more of an ornament than a form.

Onomatopoeia (pronounced "ah-no-mah-tow-PEA-uh") is when you use words that sound like the sounds they represent. Words like ding, bang, crash, pow, honk, murmur, buzz, and hum. All of those are example of onomatopoeia. Onomatopoeia is not specific to poetry; it can be found in all forms of creative writing. But it is a very useful tool. Imagine a beautiful poem about bells or singing Pteris or the sound of rain on a roof. A poem like that would most likely rely on onomatopoeia to help make the imagery much more powerful.

Imagery is another device that's very important to all forms of creative writing, including poetry. Have you ever read something that was written so well, it gave you a very clear mental picture of what was going on? That's basically what imagery is. There are many types of imagery, but the most important thing is to make sure that you are painting a picture with words. Try to think of unique ways to describe things in your poetry. The more creative and original your imagery is, the better your poems will be.

These are a few of the poetic devices most commonly used by writers and poets alike. They will help you to create a poem that is pleasing to the ear of the people listening to it. Try to pay attention to the words you're using when writing a poem. Is there a way you could use some of these devices to make your poem more interesting and aesthetically pleasing?

Next, let's talk about meter and rhythm. Meter and rhythm are very important, because they are what makes poetry different from any other type of writing. When constructing your poem, try to make a "sound pattern" of the words in your head. Speak them aloud--notice how the words have an almost musical quality? That's called the rhythm of the poem. Meter refers to the pattern of syllables (or "beats") in each line. Let's look at the example I wrote below.

The shattered shell was washed ashore

Its voice in silence evermore

An ocean song, its last lament

Abandoned gently with regret

Say this little verse aloud to yourself. Notice how when it's spoken aloud, it takes on a sing-song musical quality? That is the rhythm of the poem. Now count the syllable sounds in each line. There are 8 "beats" per line. That is the meter of the poem. These two characteristics are very, very important when writing good poetry, because good rhythm and meter make your poem easy to read and pleasing to the people who are listening to it.

Rhyme is another tool that poets use. Not every line of your poem needs to rhyme. Try breaking it up--perhaps the first line could rhyme with the third, and the second with the fourth, and so on. Some of the best poetry in all of Neopia doesn't rhyme at all! If the words are beautiful, and they paint a lovely and clear mental picture, good rhythm and meter can help you create a beautiful poem without any rhyming at all.

Try to use interesting words in your poetry. "The clouds are shiny and white" is nice. But "The clouds glimmer with an opalescent sheen" is much better! Use a Thesaurus to help find words that mean the same thing as a boring word, but sound much better. A Thesaurus is also very helpful when you're trying to find a word that fits the rhyme pattern of your poem, but still conveys your intended meaning. A Thesaurus is a poet's best friend.

So now you know how to construct a basic poem. You have some tools. Now, how do you go about winning that golden trophy for your trophy cabinet? Here are some pointers for winning the Neopian Poetry Contest!

Go to the Pet Central page and click on "Calendar". Find a Neopian holiday or Pet Day that's coming up soon. Then write about that particular subject or pet! You are far more likely to win the contest if you submit a poem about Scorchios a few days before Scorchio Day, or a poem about Illusen a few days before Illusen Day! Sometimes there aren't any holidays very close. During those times, check the News page to see if anything catches your eye. Is there an interesting new item that's been released? Anything that relates that what's going on in Neopia can be a potential idea. An adventure, an experience, a mystery, a legend--all of these can be a great inspiration for poems, and the Neopedia has lots and lots of good information to help you flesh out your poem with details, names, and places from Neopia.

Everyone loves a story poem. If your poem tells an interesting story, your chances will likely be much better. Be creative, think outside of the box. You can do anything with a poem--invent a new world, or a long-lost one. Send your characters on a journey through an ancient tomb, or into outer space. Anything you can write a story about, you can write a poem about! Your own imagination is your only limitation.

Try to be as original as you possibly can. All poetic forms are potential winners, including the simple but beautiful haiku form. Length is not as important as quality and creativity.

There you have it! A guide to writing the best possible poem, to give yourself a good chance of winning a Poetry Contest trophy! Good luck, and have fun!