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How do you reinvent your poetry?

in Poetry Discussion

This is specifically towards poetry.

After taking a look at my poetry over the years,I realize within last 7 years,I did reinvent myself.First three years was poetry about high school experiences.Last 5 years,been mainly self help,although both felt either depressing or inspiring.The reinvention happen when I started to do spoken word,granted,not many,but I still kept performing.

I notice recently,I grown tired of self help and while I do prefer to pivot my poetry,I just don't have enough experiences to do so,which can be frustrating.I find that reinvention should be more of a flow into,rather force out.

This thought came up because I was actually writing a new poem,however,still feels the same.I wonder how do you all reinvent your poetry?

4 answers4 replies

Comments (8)

Ken LeMarchand

Jul 08, 2021

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Best Answer

Thank you for taking the time to bring this up Bendy because it is something that I've recently gone through myself. What I've discovered over the years is to just find what flows best for you. Like you said there is no forcing something into fruition. I'd like to think that poets are constantly evolving and shifting the more they write. A quote I often use to describe this is "Just as the caterpillar goes through metamorphosis, so does a poet in their style of writing."

I think there comes a time when a poet can feel bored of their writing style, and they want to change how they write things. Of course, this means going out of your comfort zone and trying something new.

Having said this, I've been trying to write about subjects I've never written about before. I also try to utilize writing prompts from time to time for practice. When I find myself in a pickle I will also resort to just not writing at all. Even writers need a break sometimes.

@Adam Gary said in one of his YouTube videos once that a good poet (writer) can write about anything. Even if it was just about a pair of dirty old socks. I find the concept of this to be very helpful in establishing creativity. Take any old object and just start writing the first words that come to mind. You can pick it apart later. I think it is important to just get your beginning thoughts out first, and then refine it after.

Also expanding your vocabulary can be very helpful. Try exploring new words that you don't normally use. Turn the Merriam-Webster dictionary into a sort of writing prompt activity. Expanding vocabulary is key in not writing the same thing over and over again.

Try writing in different poetic styles too. Even if it is hard at first. Or even read more poetry. I've started to read more and this has widened my views on poetry dramatically. It also helps to know what topics are relevant these days if you ever plan on publishing something.

Ultimately, I think the enjoyment of writing is significant enough. If you ever hit a junction where writing is no longer enjoyable, I think that is a sign that you need to take a break.