The Creative Process of Poetry: Exploring the Workings of Words

The creative process of poetry is a dynamic and complex journey that begins with feeling and intuition, leading to the refinement of words and ideas in structured form. This article delves into the essence of how poets imagine, shape, and express their thoughts through the art of verse, as exemplified by the work of renowned poets like William Wordsworth and William Shakespeare.

Feeling and Intuition in Poetry

In the beginning, a poet is inspired by what touches them deeply. Inspiration can manifest through various triggers—be it a scene, a sounding, or an emotional state. This initial spark of emotion or insight is the driving force of creative writing. As William Wordsworth eloquently put it, 'feeling precedes thought.' The poet has an urge to capture and express these feelings in verse. This stage is organic and free-flowing, allowing the writer to express their thoughts in unstructured, raw form.

Shakespeare’s Path to Poetry

Reflecting on the lesser-known lines of William Shakespeare, we can appreciate the transformation of spontaneous speech into structured poetic forms. In the early moments, Shakespeare might have written something as casual as, 'Boy you’re as pretty as a summer's day. Even better!' Then, through the sophisticated process of refining this into a more structured form, we end up with the profound lines:

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:

This example showcases the transformation of straightforward speech into a carefully crafted verse. The poet must find ways to structure the words in a pleasing and structured form, often through strict rhyme and meter, like the iambic pentameter that Shakespeare employed. However, in modern times, poets tend to use colloquial and conversational language that resonates more with contemporary audiences.

The Secondary Process: Refinement and Revision

Once the primary phase of inspiration is complete, the poet enters the secondary process of refining the draft. This involves revisiting the lines and making adjustments to ensure the poem flows smoothly and coherently. Each word, each phrase, and each line should contribute to the overall structure and emotion of the poem. This stage can be meticulous, with poets rephrasing lines to achieve the perfect cadence and imagery.

The Poetry Sandbox: A Beginner’s Approach

For beginners, the process can be more playful and spontaneous. They often write whatever comes to mind without adhering to strict rhyme or meter. The primary goal is to explore and express their thoughts without the constraints of formal poetry. This stage is essential for developing the poet's voice and experimenting with different styles and themes.

Professional Poets and the Editing Process

Professional poets, on the other hand, approach poetry with a more structured and disciplined mindset. They are dedicated to the editing stages, refining their work and creating an enhanced version. This requires a deeper understanding of poetic techniques, including the use of metaphor, rhyme, and meter. Professional poets are often guided by intellectual considerations, such as the structure of the poem, the flow of the language, and the impact of the imagery.

Learning from Other Poets

Both beginners and professionals benefit from learning from other poets and their works. This can be done through reading, studying, and analyzing the work of established poets. For instance, the poems posted on popular poetry websites like provide a wealth of resources for poets to study, read, and improve their craft. These collections offer a variety of poetic styles and techniques, allowing poets to expand their portfolio and refine their skills.

Exploring Song and Hymn Writing

In addition to literature, song and hymn writing offer valuable insights into poetic composition. Song lyrics, for example, often follow strict structural and rhythmic patterns. Studying these can help poets understand the principles of phrasing, structure, and emphasis. The work of George Shearing, for instance, is a wonderful example of the integration of words and melody in a cohesive form.

Case Study: Elvis Presley’s Gospel Song and Its Meaning

To further illustrate this, let's consider the song lyrics of I Believe by Elvis Presley. By analyzing these lyrics, we can gain a deeper understanding of how a song’s structure and meaning interact. The process involves examining the phrasing, structure, and emotional impact of the words. We can imagine how Elvis might have sung these lyrics, providing us with insights into the emotive power of music and poetry.

Conclusion

The creative process of poetry is a journey from raw inspiration to carefully crafted form, involving elements of feeling, intuition, and intellectual refinement. Whether a poet is a beginner or a professional, the process is enriched by learning from diverse sources and by studying the works of other poets. This article has explored the stages of poetry from initial inspiration to the final product, providing valuable insights and examples for poets to consider in their writing journey.