Guide to Poetry

“Bloody smear of inkOne drop, every day, new page—Love aches. Life goes on. The greatest art is born from a heart that has felt the greatest depths of love and pain, or at least, it is commonly believed so. While I will not attempt to judge the truth behind this statement, poems about love and pain have existed in the earliest examples of human literature as well as in the poetry books coming out on Amazon in the 21st CE. It’s fascinating how these two emotions have been intricately woven into the fabric of poetry, transcending time and cultural boundaries. In this article, we’ll take a journey through history to explore the evolution of love and pain in poetry, from ancient times to the modern era. So, grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of heartfelt verses.  Poems About Love and Pain: A Journey Through Time Love might be the most complicated human emotion to feel, let alone express. And when it flows into the river of pain as if fulfilling its destiny, some of the greatest poetry of our history was born. From the ancient echoes of Sappho’s melodic verses to Arabic poems about love to the modern refrains of contemporary poets, the theme of love and pain has woven its intricate threads throughout the ages. It is a symphony of human emotions, exploring the depths of our souls and revealing the fragile beauty that resides within us. Here are some of the greatest poetry book quotes and collections that deal with the theme of love, loss, and the journey beyond. 1. Ancient Verses: Poetry Book Collections of Love and Pain Did you know one of the most common themes of Mesopotamian-era poetry was love and longing? Somewhere around 3,000 BCE, writing came to was discovered by the Mesopotamians and soon, there was a flourish of poetry offered to God and lovers. Take the instance of Sappho (some 2,500 years later). She was an ancient Greek poetess who composed mesmerizing verses about longing and heartbreak. Her words painted vivid imagery of unrequited love and the ache of separation. Metaphors and vivid descriptions were her tools to convey the intensity of these emotions. It’s incredible how even centuries ago, poets understood the power of words to capture the nuances of love and pain that are so relevant even today. 2. Classical Poetry: Sonnets and the Elegance of Love and Pain The classical ear of poetry was marked by lyrics and poems about love and pain, and although less renowned than some of his compatriots, John Donne was truly the torchbearer or “the first poet in the world in some things” as described by Ben Johnson. It is, in fact, startling to believe that a poet rose from being hailed among a restricted circle of admirers to influencing many English poets decades after his death to falling into the pits of oblivion and then rising back to popularity almost three centuries later. Some of John Donne’s classics include “The Good Morrow,” “The Perfume,” and “A Valediction: Forbidden Mourning”. Perhaps the dip in popularity of John Donne in the late 16th and 17th CE can be accredited to one of the biggest names in English poetry, William Shakespeare. Contemporary to him was another poet, Christopher Marlowe, who earned more modest acclaim. Marlowe’s “The Passionate Shepherd to His Love” is a delightful poem that transports us to a rural paradise, where the shepherd passionately implores his love to join him in a simple life amidst nature’s beauty. With each line, Marlowe weaves a sentimental touch, promising pleasures found only in the arms of love. In the splendid era of the Renaissance, the unmatched genius of Shakespeare graces the stage with his typical fourteen-line sonnets written in iambic pentameter. Delving into the ecstasy and torment of love as well as depicting the yearning and suffering experienced by the lover, their timeless works continue to resonate with us today. 3. Romantic Poetry: Embracing Passion and Despair Ah, the Romantic era! This period witnessed a surge of passion and intense emotions in poetry. Poets like Lord Byron and John Keats sought to capture the depth of love and pain in their verses. Romantic poets celebrated individualism and the expression of personal emotions. Byron’s works often explored the tumultuous nature of love, while Keats enchanted readers with his sensual and melancholic portrayal of longing and loss. Romantic poetry opened the floodgates for raw and unfiltered expressions of the heart. A personal favorite of Keats is La Belle Dams Sans Merci which literally translates to The Lady Without Mercy. It is worth mentioning that Keat’s love poems were mostly inspired by his tryst with Fanny Browne, a failed ordeal of love and pain. 4. Modern Poetry Book Collections: A Candid Glimpse into Love’s Turmoil Fast forward to the modern era, and we witness a fascinating evolution in poems about love and pain. With the emergence of more conversational poetry, these poets not only drew inspiration from their love and pain but also explored the journey beyond. A profound shift from being poems about love and pain to being about healing and self-love. These poets fearlessly explored their own heartbreaks, relationships, and vulnerabilities, inviting readers into their emotional worlds. They shattered the boundaries of societal conventions, giving voice to their pain and love in an authentic and cathartic way.  Today’s contemporary poets continue to explore this theme, bringing fresh perspectives and shedding light on the complexities of human emotions. One of the contemporary poets whose works have empowered me over the years is Maya Angelou, and perhaps, I’d share a more personal interpretation of her poetry in a later post. 5. Love and Pain Across Cultures and Borders Arabic poems about love and loss, known as “ghazals” or “qasidas,” have left an indelible mark on the world of poetry. One of the most celebrated poets in this genre is Ibn Zaydun, who lived during the 11th century in Al-Andalus. His passionate love

Poetry began as one of the earliest forms of human literature, thousands of years before any proper doctrine of communication was set up. In fact, the power of poetry is credited by historians to be instrumental in consolidating ancient empires dating back to Babylon and Mesopotamia. In more recent history, social media writers warped the concepts of poetry to create something much more easily transmittable and digestible, climbing up to the bestseller ranks on Amazon during the process. Between Mesopotamia and #Instapoetry, the tectonic plates of literature and human cognition have shifted; and yet, the power of poetry is undeniable. Power of Poetry Decoded for Beginner Poets in 2023 Built a knife of words –Carved past, present, and future;They still chose murder. What you choose to do with the power of poetry is a choice only for you to make, but be aware of the consequences while you do. Ah, poetry—the elixir of emotions! In a world filled with noise and distractions, poetry has this magical ability to captivate our hearts and transport us to a universe where emotions reign supreme. With its rhythmic cadence and evocative language, poetry can transport us to realms of joy, sorrow, and everything in between. It’s like a rollercoaster ride for the heart, taking us on thrilling emotional journeys.  Poetry, although mere words on pages, have contributed significantly to freedom movements and the world order we seem to enjoy today. Be it the American Revolution, the Civil War, or the Indian fight for independence. In fact, the introduction to poetry for many of us is through such powerful works. Throughout history, women have used poetry as a powerful tool to express their strength, resilience, and sassiness. From Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise” to Emily Dickinson’s “I’m Nobody! Who are you?”, strong women poets have paved the way for empowerment and inspired generations. Even beyond guns and roses and empowering strong woman poems, poetry has the power to transform human souls. That, in my grand opinion, is the true purpose of poetry. So, whether you are a novice poet or just curious about the enchanting world of verses, this step-by-step guide will empower you to unlock the power of poetry. Step 1: Embracing Vulnerability through Poetry This step is all about diving into the depths of your emotions and embracing the power of vulnerability in your introduction to poetry journey. Start by setting aside dedicated time for self-reflection. Grab a journal or find a quiet corner where you can let your thoughts flow freely. Explore your personal experiences, joys, fears, and struggles. Allow yourself to be open and honest with your emotions.  Write without judgment or restraint, letting your pen dance across the page. By embracing vulnerability, you’ll discover a wellspring of inspiration and authenticity that will unleash the raw emotional power of poetry. I dwell in Possibility–A fairer House than Prose–More numerous of Windows–Superior– for Doors– -from I Dwell in Possibilty (1862) by Emily Dickinson. She is regarded as one of the earliest feminists and her works reflect many empowering strong woman poems. This, however, might not be as easy as plucking an apple from your neighbor’s orchard. You have to dig the ground, plant the seed, water it every day, and give it time to grow into a tree. On days, it might not feel worth it. Or too stressful to continue. Or too overpowering even. It is important, in those moments, to remember that being vulnerable is a choice and by making this choice, you have already braved your greatest fears. Step 2: Unleashing Creativity and Finding Your Voice Unleash the wild, untamed poet, or shall I say: artist, within you! Take a playful approach to writing by engaging in creative exercises and prompts. Experiment with different poetic forms, styles, and perspectives.  Step outside your comfort zone and explore unconventional metaphors, surprising word choices, and vivid imagery. Embrace the unexpected, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It’s through this exploration that you’ll discover your unique poetic voice—a voice that resonates with authenticity and captivates your readers. Something I have talked about in much detail in my previous poetry basics article is the power of reading. With so much works available for free reading on the internet, your introduction to poetry journey will only be spoilt with choices. But the purpose of reading is not to curb your creativity or individuality but to build a sturdy canvas for you to paint the story you want to tell. Follow the poetry basics but don’t get bound by them. Step 3: Craftsmanship and Refinement Now that you’ve unleashed your poetic creativity, it’s time to refine your work and elevate it to new heights. Treat each poem as a sculpture waiting to be chiseled into perfection. Read your poems aloud to identify any clunky phrases or awkward rhythms. Trim away unnecessary words to create concise and impactful lines. Pay attention to the sensory details and imagery, making them more vivid and evocative.  Experiment with different line breaks and stanza structures to enhance the flow and pacing of your poems. Embrace the role of an editor, revising and polishing until your poem shines with brilliance. Remember, craftsmanship takes time and dedication, but the end result will be a poem that leaves a lasting impact on your readers. Step 4: Sharing and Connecting with Others Poetry is meant to be shared, like a delicious slice of cake that’s too good to keep to yourself. It’s time to step out of your poetic cocoon and share your work with the world. In the modern world, there’s a plethora of ways to connect with fellow poets, whether it’s through local writing groups, online communities, or open mic nights.  [VIDEO] Sharing your poems allows you to receive feedback, gain new perspectives, and foster a sense of belonging in the vibrant poetry community. Remember, even if someone doesn’t fully appreciate your poem, you’ve still imparted bits and pieces of your thoughts and ideas to them. Perhaps, forever. That’s a win!

In three words I can sum up everything I have learned about poetry: It lives on. A few broken sentences, abrupt grammar, repetition of words and phrases, and a sense of something meaningful in the often jumbled verses—that is poetry. TikTok and Instagram Reels might have simplified things exponentially in 2023, but poetry still holds this very essence from the carvings of prehistoric cavemen and the earliest shamans. No guide to poetry, the ethereal art form, can ever begin without acknowledging its footprints on human history, influencing it by tapping into who we are and what we can become. From Shakespeare contributing words to the English language to John Milton inspiring the American Revolution or the works of Tagore and Kazi Nazrul fueling the Indian war for independence to the nameless men and women who scribed little poems on the back of their journals, poetry has lived and breathed among us as an eternal friend.  In this guide to poetry, I will share my thoughts and views on how to enter the dragon, in other words, the universe of poetry, and learn how to read and understand poetry as it is. Guide to Poetry: What is it and Why is it? An attempt to define poetry is like defining the path of a raindrop. Unpredictable. Discreet. How can you even track that droplet once it touches the earth, flows and sneaks in through cracks, and travels under the surface? Surely, there is no science to writing a great poem. No hard rules or formulas or the perfect recipe. Yet, what binds together the heart of every poem is its ability to go beneath the crust of human skin and touch us where we were scared (but waiting) to be touched. So instead of what is poetry, I’ll talk briefly about why poetry is significant to our existence in this beginner’s guide to poetry. Let’s look at it this way. If there is a word you do not know, you can open the Oxford Dictionary, or more conveniently ask Google, and you will get the meaning. But if there is an emotion you do not feel, there is no convenient tool to make you feel it. And if there is a boiling emotion deep beneath your skin and you can’t bring it to the surface, there is no science to help you out. This is where art, regardless of its form, comes in.  If there is a thought you want to express but know no single word to convey the full depths of it, there is no AI djinn to do it accurately for you. But if you can delicately envelop it in a poem (yours or penned by someone dead for centuries), you will be able to clone a piece of your soul and place it deep inside the heart of another. Unlike science, this will never be marred by the surge of technological advancements. How to Read and Understand Poetry? “I want them to waterski / across the surface of a poem / waving at the author’s name on the shore.” Billy Collins, Introduction to Poetry Looking for an adventure down dark dungeons, mystic gardens, serpentine mountain trails, and shrouded canyons? Poetry can help. But, not literally. That’s the key to reading and understanding poetry. It is not, usually, a literal depiction of themes or messages, unlike prose. A verse, on a surface level, might simply talk about flowers, honey bees, rolling clouds, or infinitely different things while they could be metaphors for human life, emotions, societal events, or even politics. To understand a poem, sit with an open mind and some patience. Some poems will hit your soul right off the package, even when you are inside a busy crowd, while some will creep inside your soul in the solitude of the late night.  Think of a poem as a shapeless fluid ready to take up the shape of your thoughts and imagination. The poet might have added a bit of color or fragrance to make it more to your liking, but in the end, it is yours to shape, weave, and transform. Also, consider poems as the best guide to poetry. This means, the more you read the better you will get at deciphering them. Supplement it with reading about the poet’s life, the social situation leading up to the poem, and even the general literature backdrop of that era. There are many other step-by-step guides on how to read and understand poetry (and I might come up with one too), but this was my take on it. Here’s a more conventional one for reference. How to Find Meaning in Poetry? Delving into the more technical aspects of reading (or writing, if you will) poetry, there are a number of forms and styles of poetry to keep in mind. Some poems will have lines that rhyme at specific intervals while others will be free-flowing like a river.   Then there is meter, rhyme scheme, and the usage of literary devices. For instance, Shakespearean sonnets are characterized by the fourteen-line form, abab rhyme scheme, and the iambic pentameter (more on these specific aspects in my upcoming posts on guide to poetry). On the other hand, elfchen is a typical eleven-word German poetry form and Haiku is a Japanese style that follows a 5-7-5 syllable form. Finally, poetry relies heavily on literary devices like simile, metaphor, alliteration, and a bunch of other elements and techniques that have developed over centuries. The good thing is you don’t always need to recognize these devices by their names to enjoy a good poem. Many devices like personification, alliteration, and onomatopoeia can still weave the magic of emotions even if you are unaware of them.  Honing Your Writing Skills: A Guide to Becoming a Poet Robert Frost, an impeccable and influential American poet, once wrote, “In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life. It goes on.” A century later, if I may, I’ll rephrase it in my guide to