How to Start a Poem: Tips, Ideas & Examples

Introduction

Poetry is an art form that has been around for centuries. It’s a way of expressing emotions, thoughts, and ideas in an artistic and creative manner. Writing poetry can be a difficult and intimidating task, especially when it comes to starting off a poem. If you’re struggling to get started, here are some tips and examples on how to start a poem.

Memorable Image or Phrase

One of the best ways to start a poem is with a memorable image or phrase. This can be a great way to capture the reader’s attention and set the tone for the rest of the poem. Images and phrases can evoke emotion and create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind.

When creating an image or phrase, think about something that stands out or is meaningful to you. It could be a person, place, thing, or even an abstract concept. Try to find something that’s unique and interesting. It doesn’t have to be complicated, just something that will make the reader pause and think.

Question

Another effective way to start a poem is with a question. Questions can be thought-provoking and engaging, and they can draw the reader in and encourage them to think more deeply about the poem’s subject matter. When writing a question, make sure it’s open-ended and doesn’t have a straightforward answer.

Some good examples of questions to start a poem include: “What if I told you…?”; “What do you see when you look at me?”; “If I could turn back time, would I?”; “Why do we keep searching for something we already have?”; and “What if I never had the chance to say goodbye?”.

Old Saying or Proverb

Using an old saying or proverb as the opening line of a poem can be a great way to set the tone and create a sense of nostalgia. It’s also a great way to add depth and meaning to the poem. When selecting an old saying or proverb, make sure it’s relevant to the poem’s theme or message.

Some examples of old sayings or proverbs to use include: “A stitch in time saves nine”; “The early bird catches the worm”; “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”; “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”; and “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

Metaphor or Simile

Using metaphors and similes is another great way to start a poem. Metaphors and similes can help you describe something in a unique and poetic way. They can also be used to create a vivid image in the reader’s mind. When creating a metaphor or simile, make sure it’s relevant to the poem’s theme or message.

Some examples of metaphors and similes to use include: “My heart is like a stormy sea”; “Love is like a butterfly, always fluttering around”; “Life is a rollercoaster ride, full of ups and downs”; “My love is like a rose, beautiful yet fragile”; and “Time is like a river, always moving forward.”

Describing a Scene

Describing a scene is another great way to start a poem. Describing a scene in detail can help create a vivid image in the reader’s mind and set the tone for the rest of the poem. When writing a scene description, make sure it’s detailed and evokes emotion. Also, make sure it’s relevant to the poem’s theme or message.

Some tips for writing an effective scene description include: using sensory words (e.g. sight, sound, smell, taste, touch); including details about the setting (e.g. time of day, weather, location); and incorporating dialogue or inner thoughts. For example, “The sun was setting in the west, casting a golden glow over the meadow. The air was still and quiet, except for the chirping of the birds. She stood alone in the grass, her heart heavy with grief.”

Character Story

Starting a poem with a character story can be a great way to engage the reader and draw them into the poem. When writing a character story, make sure the character is relatable and their story is relevant to the poem’s theme or message. You can also incorporate sensory details and dialogue to make the story more engaging.

Some examples of characters and stories to use include: a young child learning about the world; an elderly person reflecting on their life; a soldier facing danger on the battlefield; a traveler searching for adventure; and a scientist exploring the unknown. For example, “She was a young girl, eager to explore the world. She had seen its wonders through books, but now she wanted to experience them for herself. So she packed her bags and set off on an adventure.”

Conclusion

Writing a poem can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to starting off. However, with the right tips and techniques, you can start a poem with ease and confidence. Whether you begin with a memorable image or phrase, a question, an old saying or proverb, a metaphor or simile, a scene description, or a character story, you can create a powerful and engaging poem that resonates with readers.