Coffee Lounge

My first priority in writing the style of poetry I prefer is a consistent rhyme scheme. It adds both flavor and rhythm because the rhyming words will roll off the tongue with practice.

This brings me to my next point. I tried counting syllables for my first few attempts at writing poetry. What I found out is that it takes practice to write and to recite a piece of poetry properly, whatever rules we choose to follow. These choices are strictly up to the writer, by the way.

As we keep at it, we will learn more naturally where to place emphasis and when to pause. This goes for both writing and reading. Think about it. I doubt that even the great orators got where they are overnight. They had to work at it.

Oration is a skill developed from raw talent. So is writing poetry. We have to break through barriers (yes, sometimes rules and regulations) and create our own personal style. So...my advice? Practice, practice, practice...