The Difference Between Writing Poetry and Writing Exceptional Poetry
Guide 2
Many years ago, I wrote an introductory poetry course for a well-regarded poetry forum. The course aimed to bridge the gap between those who simply enjoy writing poetry and those who want their work to stand out: to be read, remembered, and respected by fellow poets and the literary world.
One of the key lessons from that course was understanding the difference between amateur poetry and the work of top-tier poets. What makes a poem feel ordinary? What makes a poem sing? And most importantly, can anyone learn to write at that higher level?
The answer is yes. While talent and instinct help, poetry is a craft. It can be honed, refined, and elevated. Let’s explore the differences and the techniques that separate the run-of-the-mill from the remarkable.
What Makes a Poem Look Amateur?
Many poets start out with an earnest desire to express themselves. There’s nothing wrong with that. However, without careful crafting, certain common pitfalls make amateur poetry feel unremarkable.
1. Over-Reliance on Direct Statements
Amateur poets often state their feelings outright rather than evoking them through imagery or metaphor. A poem that says:
“I feel so sad, the world is dark, My heart is heavy, life is hard.”
…might be honest, but it lacks depth. Compare that to:
“The streetlights blink at empty roads, A single crow on the power line stares, still.”
The second version conveys loneliness and sadness without ever stating it outright. This is the art of suggestion, one of the hallmarks of sophisticated poetry.
2. Predictable Rhymes and Clichés
Amateur poets often lean on predictable rhyme schemes (love/dove, night/light) and well-worn phrases (“broken heart,” “endless pain,” “shining stars”). These elements make a poem feel generic, as if it could have been written by anyone at any time.
Instead, the best poets create fresh language. If writing about love, they don’t say “love is like a rose.” They might say:
“Her laughter, a sudden wind stirring the lake’s surface— unsettling, alive.”
This surprises the reader, offering a new perspective.
3. Lack of Strong Imagery and Sensory Detail
Ordinary poetry often talks about emotions but doesn’t make the reader feel them. Poetry should be immersive. Instead of saying, “I felt nervous,” a skilled poet might write:
“The paper in my hands trembled, sweat blurring the ink.”
By engaging the senses—sight, touch, sound, smell, taste—you transport the reader into the experience rather than just informing them about it.
4. Forcing Meaning Rather Than Letting It Emerge
Some amateur poets try too hard to inject meaning into their work, making it feel didactic or forced. If a poem ends with “And that’s why love is the most important thing,” it robs the reader of discovery.
Top poets allow meaning to unfold naturally. They trust that the imagery and structure will lead the reader to insight without needing to spell it out.
What Makes a Poem Stand Out?
Now that we know what holds poetry back, let’s explore what elevates it to greatness.
1. Mastery of Metaphor and Symbolism
Exceptional poets don’t just use metaphor—they use precise and evocative metaphor. Instead of comparing sadness to rain (commonplace), they might compare it to:
“A violin left in an empty train station— strings humming with the memory of hands.”
This kind of fresh, unexpected imagery invites the reader to experience emotion in a new way.
2. Attention to Sound and Musicality
Poetry isn’t just about meaning—it’s also about sound. Great poets use alliteration, assonance, consonance, and rhythm to enhance the experience.
Compare:
“The wind was loud against my door.”
versus:
“The wind, a wild whisper, worried the wood.”
The second example has richer sonic quality, making it more pleasurable to read.
3. Layered Meaning and Ambiguity
Top-tier poetry often has multiple interpretations. A reader might come back to it years later and find something new.
Take T.S. Eliot’s famous lines from The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock:
“I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.”
On the surface, this line suggests a mundane existence. But on deeper reflection, it speaks of regret, time slipping away, and a life lived in small, careful increments. The best poetry allows the reader to find their own meaning within it.
4. Unexpected Juxtapositions
Strong poetry often places contrasting images or ideas side by side to create tension and depth.
Consider this example:
“She hummed a lullaby while pulling weeds— roots snapping like brittle bones.”
The contrast between the gentle lullaby and the violent snapping of roots creates an eerie, unsettling mood. Juxtaposition like this adds complexity and richness to poetry.
5. Precision in Word Choice
Exceptional poets don’t settle for the first word that comes to mind—they seek the right word. There’s a world of difference between saying “walked” and “shuffled,” or “whispered” and “hissed.” Each choice carries weight.
Poets like Emily Dickinson are known for their meticulous word selection, ensuring that every syllable counts.
Can Anyone Achieve This Level?
Yes...but it requires practice, patience, and the willingness to refine your craft. Some people have a natural instinct for language, but even they must hone their skills. The best poets:
Read widely (classic and contemporary poets alike)
Revise relentlessly (the first draft is never the best draft)
Experiment with different techniques
Trust imagery over explanation
Develop a personal voice rather than imitating others
Great poetry isn’t about talent alone. It’s about learning how to wield language with precision and emotional depth. It’s about seeing the world differently and translating that vision onto the page.
If you’re willing to study and experiment, if you’re open to feedback and revision, then you can transcend the ordinary and create poetry that resonates, lingers, and stands apart.
Happy writing!
Tom