Inspiring the Inner Poet

Poetry has been used for thousands of years, not only as a form of entertainment, but also as a way to memorize and inspire. The ancient bards memorized the tales and histories of their clans, as writing utensils were so hard to come by. Poems have been used in sacred ceremonies for as long as man has had a tongue to speak. Most sacred writing includes poetry and prose, because it is through this language that man can reach inward to discover the Kingdom within.

Poetry is an excellent way to inspire ourselves and can prove to be a powerful tool when we desire to unleash our own creativity! However, most people think that the gift of poetry is just that; a gift that only the most talented can master. Or they may think that poetry is dry and boring! And could never be a source of inspiration. But think about the times you have heard your favorite song on the radio – how it filled your soul. It’s not just the music that affects us, but the powerful way the words weave themselves together.

It’s easy to write your own poetry – easier than you think! I’ve included a couple of examples of my favorite types of poetry so that you can try it yourself! And do yourself a favor! Read poetry out loud to get the full effect! 

The Rhyming Poem
One of my favorite styles of poetry is the rhyming poem. Its cadence can be hypnotizing. And it can be as long or short as you want!

Shaman’s Drum
Oh wake me, wake me
and do take me
far beyond where song is sung
to journey where the Shaman’s drum
is in my heart and in my head
so I may be gently led
through the mists and open gates
of stars that sing and do relate
to my dream within a dream
where I may wake, and still would seem
to know the beat that has been rung!
This heart would know my shaman’s drum.
© Deanna Joseph

Haiku
A Haiku is a three line poem, with five syllables in the first line, seven in the second and five in the third. Most Haikus are written in the present tense, and focus on nature. I like to write about love though!

A gentle falling
Into your eyes spinning webs
My heart is yearning
© Deanna Joseph

Pleiades
This is a relatively new style of poetry, known as Pleiades (named after the star cluster) invented in 1999 by Craig Tigerman, head editor at Sol Magazine. I find this poetic style both fun and easy to work with. The title may only have one word and the poem has seven lines. Each line must begin with the same letter that the title begins with. For an extra challenge, keep each line to six syllables.

Wisdom
Wondering in my heart,
wandering through my soul.
Wishing, eyes wide open.
Wisps of hope, source of joy
waiting for reunion.
Wisdom lingers in a
well of understanding.
© Deanna Joseph

Free Verse
One of the easiest styles to work with, free verse is free from meter and rhyme. Pretty much anything goes.

My Song
I knew it…
the moment I heard your song.
The moment I felt how it fit in with mine.
I knew it… my song should belong to you.
But your eyes don’t see me,
your heart doesn’t know me,
and what I sing doesn’t make sense to you.
Never mind that I wrote it for you!
I’m just the audience.
Maybe my song will only ever be
my song.
© Deanna Joseph

The important thing about poetry is that it resonates within you; that once you’ve gotten words to paper, you feel a kindling of your inner power. You don’t have to be a Thoreau, Dickenson or Whitman to be worthy of being a poet. You just have to tap in to your inner muse… you are already a poet… you just have to know it!