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How To Write Poetry When You're Feeling Low




If you are feeling low and the words just aren't coming, don't worry. Poetry is supposed to be fun, after all. In this guide, we'll give some tips on how to write poetry when you're feeling low so that you can get your creative juices flowing again!


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Are you stuck in a slump?

If you're feeling stuck in a slump, here are some tips to get out of it:

  • Try something new. If you've been writing poems for a while now and have hit a wall, try something new! Try writing haikus or limericks instead of free verse. Or maybe try writing only with rhyme schemes for once (and then change back). You never know what might spark your creativity again!



  • Take a break from poetry entirely! Sometimes stepping away from something helps us see things differently when we come back to them later on--it's just like putting down a book when your mind needs time to process everything that happened so far before moving on to the next chapter!


  • Go for a walk. Sometimes we get stuck in a rut because we're too focused on our writing and not enough on the world around us. Getting outside and taking a break from your desk can help clear your head and give you new ideas to write about later on!


  • Write about something else. If you're stuck on a poem that isn't working, try writing something else--it doesn't have to be poetry! Maybe start writing a short story or making up new lyrics for your favourite songs. When you come back to your original poem later on, it'll feel like a brand new piece! Try writing about something completely different from what you've been working on so far. This can help you get new ideas and inspiration for your poem later on!


  • Write about what you love. If your poem is too serious, try writing one that's lighthearted and fun instead! This can help get the creative juices flowing again!



  • Write something funny. If your poem is too serious, try writing one that's lighthearted and fun instead! This can help get the creative juices flowing again! Write about what you love. If your poem is too serious, try writing one that's lighthearted and fun instead! This can help get the creative juices flowing again!


You are focusing on the wrong things.

The first step to writing poetry when you are feeling low is to shift your focus from the end result of your poem and to the process of creating it. By doing this, we can take some of the pressure off ourselves and allow ourselves to enjoy what we are doing without worrying about how others will perceive it.


The second step is to focus on positive aspects rather than negative ones; no matter what kind of day or week you've had, there must be something good in there somewhere! And finally: focus on what YOU control (your attitude) rather than what YOU do not have control over (other people).


The third step is to allow yourself to be playful. This does not mean you should use silly words or write about things that don't matter; rather, it means that you can have fun with what you're doing, and enjoy yourself as you create.


The fourth step is to focus on the present moment. It's easy to get caught up in our own thoughts about what we should be doing, or how things should be different from what they are now; however, this is not helpful when trying to create something new. Instead of focusing on the future or past, focus on what you're doing right now - whether that is writing down the first word of a poem or making sure your spelling and grammar are correct!


The fifth step is to focus on the details. This may seem like it goes against what we've already discussed - but it doesn't! Instead of just thinking about how you want your story to end or how you want people to feel about it, think about every little element that makes up your story: what kind of clothes do the characters wear? What do they eat? What type of house do they live in? What's their favourite song? By focusing on these details, you can make sure that each one fits within the context of your story and contributes to its overall quality.


You need to take a break from writing.

When you're feeling low, it's easy to feel like you have nothing to say. You might find yourself thinking "I'm not in the mood to write poetry right now." This is normal! Don't force yourself into writing if it doesn't feel natural for you at that moment.



Instead of forcing yourself into writing something when you don't want to do it, try taking a break from poetry for a while and coming back later when your mind feels more open. It's also important not to worry about making sense when writing during these times; just let whatever comes out onto paper without editing or revising anything first (unless there's something glaringly wrong).



Let the poetry come to you, not you go to it.

Don't force yourself to write poetry when you don't want to do it. If your mind is full of negative thoughts and self-doubt, this will show in your writing. It's not going to be any good anyway because it simply won't flow from your pen or keyboard. So don't try! Instead, wait until the mood strikes--it will happen eventually if you keep writing every day without fail (even if that means just a few lines).


Don't worry about making sense either; just write whatever comes into your head at that moment without editing or censoring anything first! This means no worrying about rhyme schemes or meter; just let yourself flow freely onto paper until there's nothing left inside of you anymore (or until someone interrupts).



Remember that you can always edit your work later.

It's better to write something than nothing at all, so don't worry about spelling or grammar when writing poetry.


If you're having trouble coming up with ideas, try writing down things that make you happy or sad. Write about what's going on in your life—a breakup, a new job, a vacation.

You can also write about things that make you feel happy or sad. This is especially useful if you aren't sure what to write about and just want to get started.


If you're having trouble coming up with ideas, try writing down things that make you happy or sad. Write about what's going on in your life—a breakup, a new job, a vacation. You can also write about things that make you feel happy or sad. This is especially useful if you aren't sure what to write about and just want to get started.


Don't force yourself to write poetry when you don't want to do it.

Don't force yourself to write poetry when you don't want to do it. If your mind is not in the right place, or if you're feeling depressed and not in the mood for writing, then don't force it! Instead, take a break from writing poetry and focus on other things instead.


Don't worry about making sense when writing. Just write whatever comes into your head at that moment--it doesn't have to make sense or rhyme perfectly; just write what feels right at that time! Don't focus on getting everything perfect before moving on with another piece; instead, just let go of any expectations or pressure so that they won't hinder your creativity flow!


Write down whatever comes into your head. Don't worry about making sense or rhyming perfectly; just let go of any expectations or pressure so that they won't hinder your creativity flow!


Don't worry about getting everything perfect before moving on with another piece; instead, just let go of any expectations or pressure so that they won't hinder your creativity flow! Write down whatever comes into your head. Don't worry about making sense or rhyming perfectly; just let go of any expectations or pressure so that they won't hinder your creativity flow!



Don't worry about making sense, just write!

The most important thing is to just write. Don't worry about making sense, rhyming or grammar. Just write whatever comes to mind and don't be afraid of going off-topic from time to time.


Writing poetry when you're feeling low isn't about making sense all the time - it's about getting all your feelings out on paper so they can be seen by others in a different way than talking about them would allow.


When you've finished writing, go back and read over what you've written. You'll probably see a lot of stuff that doesn't make sense or fit with the rest of the poem but don't worry about that.


If you find something that you like, just keep it. If not, throw it away and write more!

You don't have to be a good writer to write poetry. Just write whatever comes into your head and don't worry about making sense or having perfect grammar.


Write what you feel, and don't worry if it's not very serious.

Write about your feelings, the things that are happening in your life, and what you have learned or seen recently. Write about the things that make you happy, sad or angry - whatever comes to mind at the time!


If you feel like writing about a certain topic but don't know where to start, think about the things that are important to you, or what is going on in your life. You can write about anything from relationships to family problems, school, work or even just personal issues such as stress and anxiety! You can also ask yourself questions such as:

- What is something that you're struggling with right now? - How do you feel about it? - What can you do to improve the situation? - Are there any lessons or advice that you have learned from this experience?



If you have a hard time finding the right words, try starting with a title and then filling in the blanks.

This is a great way to get started on writing poetry when you are feeling low. It allows you to get your thoughts going without worrying about making sense at first, or if what you write makes sense at all! The most important part of this exercise is just getting down whatever comes into your head first (and sometimes second). Some examples could be:

  • "I'm so sad today." * "I feel like I'm drowning." * "What will happen next?"

Once these ideas have been written down, take some time to think about what each sentence means for yourself personally - why do you feel that way? What does it mean for others who might be going through similar experiences? Does anyone else ever feel as bad as me? How can I help myself feel better?


Conclusion

I hope that these tips have helped you get back on track with your poetry writing. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy yourself! If you're feeling low and don't know where to turn for inspiration, try some of the ideas I've shared today. Sometimes just getting out of our own heads and into someone else's world can help us find peace once again. After all, what better way could there be than through words?




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2 Comments


Russell Gooch
Russell Gooch
Apr 17, 2023

I find I can write poetry when I’m low, it acts as a kind of therapy. It’s dark and mysterious but I can still do it that way.

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Adam Gary
Adam Gary
Apr 19, 2023
Replying to

Yes! I know what you mean. It seems to be a thing for a few poets here at the Cove. Many of us possess a beautiful darkness to us. 🤷‍♂️

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