is poetry really so hard to write?

[hobbgoblin]

I am thinking of writing some - for DC really rather than having any aspirations of publication or even public sharing.

I have always steered well clear of trying as bad poetry makes me wince. I think mine would be bad.

But, then again. I have noticed that when writing at length my writing seems to take on a sort of poetic style sometimes. Probably due to my anxiety about making my point. Think this is called overstating the point!

Anyway, is it very difficult and how much must one adhere to the laws of poetry?

[ProfessorLaytonIsMyLoveSlave]

Have you looked at Stephen Fry's The Ode Less Travelled -- very interesting and aimed at getting more of us writing poetry without getting self-conscious about it, but also without sounding like something out of Women's Weekly.

[hobbgoblin]

That's it! It's self consciousness. Like singing. I am quite intrigued why singing and poetry make (some of) us feel more uncomfortable and exposed than regular speech.

I will have a look on Amazon for that book Prof. Thank you. Sounds like it would be particularly helpful.

[TheFirstLady]

I did the OU's Advanced Creative Writing course this year as part of my degree and had to write poetry as one of my assignments. I was quite nervous about it - we had to adhere to some very rigid rhyme schemes - sonnets, villanelles and sestinas - but not only did I absolutely love the process of writing it, I got the best mark for it of any of my assignments on the course, and I think it is something I will carry on with.
I second the Prof's recommendation of the Stephen Fry book - he demystifies the use of formal structure and makes it fun to do.

[ifyourmotheraskedyou]

Nah, 's easy. Just the best words in the best order. According to Coleridge.

[ThatVikRinA22]

is poetry really so hard to write?
i dont think it is, without sounding trite.