Q&A for How to Write a Free Verse Poem

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What are the rules of a free verse poem?

Alicia Cook
Professional Writer
Alicia Cook is a Professional Writer based in Newark, New Jersey. With over 12 years of experience, Alicia specializes in poetry and uses her platform to advocate for families affected by addiction and to fight for breaking the stigma against addiction and mental illness. She holds a BA in English and Journalism from Georgian Court University and an MBA from Saint Peter’s University. Alicia is a bestselling poet with Andrews McMeel Publishing and her work has been featured in numerous media outlets including the NY Post, CNN, USA Today, the HuffPost, the LA Times, American Songwriter Magazine, and Bustle. She was named by Teen Vogue as one of the 10 social media poets to know and her poetry mixtape, “Stuff I’ve Been Feeling Lately” was a finalist in the 2016 Goodreads Choice Awards.

Alicia Cook

Professional Writer

Expert Answer

Free verse poems don't have any rules, so you can choose if you want them to rhyme or not.

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Question

Is poetic narrative the same as free verse?

Community Answer

No. Poetic narrative is a form of poetry that tells a story in metered verse. Free verse is a form of poetry that doesn't rely on any particular rhythm or structure. It also does not have a rhyming scheme.

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Question

Does it have to be long?

Donagan

Top Answerer

No, it can be any length you choose.

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Question

Can I make it rhyme?

Community Answer

Yes, you can use rhyme in your free verse poem, as long as it doesn't adhere to any particular rhyme scheme (as in this case it would no longer be a free verse poem).

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How do I improve my free verse poetry?

Community Answer

Try to observe some examples of the genre and take notes. Try to apply them to your work, but don't copy them.

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Question

How do I make a free verse poem emotional and award-winning?

Community Answer

Focus on a topic that you feel very emotionally drawn to. This can be a personal issue, or even something you see on the news that you feel very moved by.

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Should the first letter of each line be capitalized in a free verse poem?

Community Answer

In a free verse poem, you can decide each and every aspect of your poem, including the capitalization.

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Question

How do I share my poetry?

Community Answer

With your mind, your soul, your body and everything. Ask friends and family if they'd like to read your poetry.

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Question

Where can I send my poetry to have it published?

Community Answer

You can search Google for poetry websites where you can publish your poems. You can also search your neighborhood for local magazines or newspapers with a poetry column where you can send your poems. The best way to publish your poems in my opinion is simply to start a blog of your own online. I did so a month ago and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. For more guidance, you can check out my blog here: poeticaparadisum.wordpress.com.

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Question

Do all poems have to have rhyming words?

Donagan

Top Answerer

No. Some poems do not rhyme at all. See Write Poetry for Beginners .

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Question

Is it OK in free verse to speak in first person and third person within the same poem?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Yes, you're "free" to do anything you want. The challenge in this case would be to avoid confusing the reader.

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Question

Does a free verse poem have to be a long poem?

Donagan

Top Answerer

As the above article states, "there are no rules for a free verse poem." Make the poem as long or as short as you want.

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Question

How do I come up with a title?

Donagan

Top Answerer

If you're having trouble thinking of a good title, ask friends or family for suggestions. That may stimulate you to create something you like.

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Question

In free verse poetry, are there stanzas?

Community Answer

In free verse, the poet is free to do what they want regarding stanzas. They may create stanzas or just keep a flow of lines, as they like.

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Question

Does my free verse poem need to rhyme?

Community Answer

No. Free verse does not need to rhyme, but, if you like, you can add some rhyme into the poem. Just make sure the poem does not follow a particular rhyming scheme (basically, just don’t make the whole thing rhyme). Note however, that since free verse doesn’t rhyme, you still need to make it sound good. A good idea would be to have a syllable count or iambic pentameter (more fancy).

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Question

Can I include myself in the poem?

Victoria

Top Answerer

Yes, if you want to. Free verse poems can be about virtually anything, so including yourself is fine.

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Question

Can it have the word "I" in it?

Victoria

Top Answerer

Yes, if you’d like. Since free verse poems can be about virtually anything, including the word ''I'' is usually absolutely fine.

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Question

Is free verse poetry hard?

Alex

Top Answerer

This completely depends on the quality of the poem, but in a lot of cases it can be difficult. This is because it has no strict rules and it's challenging to make it meaningful. But since there are no rules, some aspects m ight be easier. There really isn't a definite say if it's easier or harder.

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