How does a good poem look like?

Have it been wondering about how to write a poem that will really blow minds—literally? I’m pretty much sure you earnestly want to get better than your previous poems, right?
Now how on earth can that be possible with you?

Like you!!! Like, the same brook which warm water flows from wants to spring for hot water??

Hehehehehe, my friend… It’s totally possible. Now the question is how? How can you craft a poem so compelling, all stars above will be forced to look down and learn from your radiance? Whether it is a written poem or a spoken word poem (performed), it is totally possible. I will give you some simple steps, hard process… Let’s go 👇 :

1. Must have a concept.

For a poem to be so goooooooooood, it must come from an unexpected and really mind blowing concept. Remember you want to create a poem that will really really be good. If that is the case, then, you must rack your mind in creating something unconventional to the patterns people expect. A good concept can come from a great storyline, costumes to speak for themselves, instrumentals and soundtrack, a cliché, phrase, clause or sentence that is related to a story pertaining to what you’re audience can relate to.

2. Unique:

Actually, no two poems should have the same features—except on exceptions. From the devices used, to the puns, to the wordings, no tell poems should be the same. Even with other poets. Copying another poet’s poem is pure plagiarism and is a crime, even in poetry, no smooth criminals here. Be you.

3. Must tell a tale.

For your poem to be clearly understood, it must tell a tale people can relate to. If no one can relate to your poem, then it is not going to be a great poem. Added to the fact of be relatable, the ability for the poet to  describe a story in a way that almost depicts its storyline. For example, Williams Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet novel being featured in a poem, with his same wordings of the novel or something very very similar to the story which the audience can relate to. That alone will tell a good tale.

4. Be creative.

What is a poet if not creative? Poetry itself is rooted in creativity. A poem can’t be a good poem if it is straight. Poets break words, spoonify them, pun them, metaphorize and even come from mind blowing perspectives to tell a story.

An example of what I mean is, tell the Romeo and Juliet story in a poem from the perspective of the girl’s father. How would you feel if you were to be him? How can you make known to the audience what and who you’re talking about?

Be creative!!! Another word for being creative is being unexpected. Be that.

5. Worded with devices.

Like I mentioned earlier, poetic devices are the breath of a poem. They are the skin and complexion of your poem. Poetic devices have their own voice and it’s based on what the poet makes of them. Poetic devices compel creatives and non-creatives to follow froth with your poem.

Be it African vernacular or black American ebonics or Jamaican patua.
Make use of figures of speech, figures of sound, literary, rhetoric, and poetic devices. Don’t be afraid to do a research on them.

6. Be expressive.

The main purpose of a good poem is to be expressive, not impressive. Once a poet writes or performs to impress rather than express, he/she becomes a wannabe poet. Don’t write to blend in, write to stand out with your poem. Let your poem be your bride, be her proud groom and praise her publicly with your expression. Notwithstanding the theme or storyline, while poetic devices are the breath of a poem, expression is the life  of a poem. Being expressive gives a not-so-professional poem the faux look and feel of professionalism (it really can impress your audience), then imagine adding expressions to a good poem. From the tone of your voice, to facial expressions, to gestures and body language, to mood of the performer, expression is the life of a poem.

7. Have an unexpected ending.

A great poem is so unique that from start till finish, it doesn’t end in ways the audience expect. Whilst, a great start is expedient and needful, a great finish is one of the most important aspects of the whole journey of a poem. Take them to the peak of your Everest… And do to them what I’ve done to you in this article.