Choose a theme or feeling you want to express
Pick a clear subject (a person, place, moment, idea, or memory)
Decide on the poem’s form (free verse, sonnet, haiku, ballad, etc.)
Select a point of view (first, second, or third person)
Gather specific details (sensory images, concrete objects, exact moments)
Write a strong opening line that hooks attention or sets the mood
Use vivid language and specific verbs to show action and emotion
Vary sentence length and line breaks for rhythm and emphasis
Add figurative language when it strengthens meaning (metaphor, simile, personification)
Maintain consistency in tone and imagery throughout the poem
Use structure intentionally (stanzas, repeated lines, refrains, or patterning)
Aim for economy—remove lines that don’t add meaning or sound
Read the poem aloud to check flow, pacing, and sound
Revise for clarity, impact, and coherence
Check grammar and punctuation choices; make them serve the voice of the poem
Refine word choice to avoid vagueness and strengthen imagery
Ensure the ending lands with a satisfying shift, revelation, or resonance
Title the poem if it adds meaning (or leave it untitled if it fits your style)
Share or save the draft, then return later for a final revision