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Valkyrie

Entry posted by Valkyrie in Anthologies

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Last week, we explored Haiku as an introduction to writing poetry.  This week, I'd like to discuss free verse.  Remember that poetry does not have to incorporate rhyming or meter or stick to a particular form.  Free verse embraces that concept, which gives the writer virtually unlimited freedom to express their thoughts.  Free verse does not follow any particular form or rhythm.  It tends to follow natural speech patterns, but doesn't have to.  I think of poetry as painting word pictures - it's the ultimate exercise of 'show vs tell'.  It can tell a story or describe a moment in time, or be pretty much whatever you want it to be.  Here is an example of a free verse poem I wrote for the 2023 Poetry Anthology - Exploration. 

 

Sandcastles

I watch you sit cross-legged at the edge of the cliff,

as white-capped waves resculpt what’s left of the beach.

The route we walked just hours earlier,

exploring and climbing crumbling shale precipices,

submerged and inaccessible.

Now sand and water collide,

advancing and receding as one.

New crevices create temporary ponds,

blocking the path to the fallen tree serving as bridge

between camp and water.

The same bridge where you steadied me with firm hands,

when my steps faltered.

A sturdy log leading to the bright beach where we ran and laughed and

sang songs around the campfire,

Eventually realizing we were water and sand,

a temporary structure waiting for high tide.

Bright sunlight briefly peeked through the dark clouds,

creating a halo around your auburn hair,

contrasting the angry surf.

In that moment, you were holy to me.

Sacred,

untouchable,

a sandcastle slipping through my fingers.

 

Now let's see what you guys come up with.  Let me know if there are any particular forms of poetry that you'd like me to dive deeper into.  And don't forget to RSVP to the poetry anthology event! 

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Lee Wilson

Lee Wilson 58,153
Creative

Posted

Not even gonna try. My OCD will force me to make it rhyme. And probably consistent syllable counts.

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Cia

Cia 61,765
Torturous

Posted

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Yeah, I use rhyme all the time for daily life. Mnemonics are so helpful. I always felt free verse, despite being a relatively open way to provide imagery for readers, was like short fiction. And I struggle with short fiction. Gotta add details! 

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Jason Rimbaud

Jason Rimbaud 18,917
In Pain

Posted (edited)

I am also a firm believer that poetry, whether it's haiku, free verse, or any other, formatting is important. Many just put their thoughts into lines. But, as with commas and semicolons, gives the reader instruction on when to pause or when thoughts are linked, formatting in poetry does the same. 

EXAMPLE

The pain temporarily slides
And for a few minutes
I am at peace
No more do I fear front seats of cars
Single beds hold no power over me
And I can again smile
I remember my childhood
Without shaking and fear
And for a while, I can dream

The reader isn't sure when to pause, when to reflect on the idea. But if you break it up into stanzas, it can make the piece more powerful

EXAMPLE:

The pain temporarily slides
And for a few minutes
I am at peace

No more do I fear front seats of cars
Single beds hold no power over me
And I can again smile

I remember my childhood
Without shaking and fear
And for a while, I can dream

There is a reason why couplets can be so powerful. And even if you forgo the usual formatting of AABBC structure, formatting will ensure your poem makes the most impact. Put as much thought into formatting as you do the individual lines. 

 

PS: Sandcastles is a powerful piece, imagery, and thought-provoking. Much like the water destroys the beauty of a sandcastle, sometimes, as humans, we are sandcastles and water. The two cannot coexist as one. This is a beautiful piece that describes the ending of a relationship and the reflections the sandcastle always makes as the water destroys us. Really good piece.

I am not the author and would never tell anyone else how to format their words. Only to really think about how you group the lines, how you break them up, and stick to your formula.

Sometimes lines can be grouped as 3, then 2, then 3, so on and so on. Don't group your lines by 3, then five, then 2, back to 2, then six, unless that pattern repeats. 

I love reading poetry. And I am off to check if you've written more. It was a powerful piece. 

Edited by Jason Rimbaud
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centexhairysub

centexhairysub 45,301
Wishful

Posted

Can't wait to see what everyone comes up with this year...

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Valkyrie

Valkyrie 115,208
Egg-tastic

Posted

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On 2/19/2026 at 4:47 PM, Jason Rimbaud said:

PS: Sandcastles is a powerful piece, imagery, and thought-provoking. Much like the water destroys the beauty of a sandcastle, sometimes, as humans, we are sandcastles and water. The two cannot coexist as one. This is a beautiful piece that describes the ending of a relationship and the reflections the sandcastle always makes as the water destroys us. Really good piece.

I love reading poetry. And I am off to check if you've written more. It was a powerful piece. 

Thanks!  I've written quite a bit of poetry, so I hope you enjoy. 

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