SITE INFORMATION
About Our Communtity
Read Testimonials
Join
Free Trial
Site Benefits
LOGIN
 
 Username:
 Password:
Remember My Login
Retrieve My Password
POET HELP DESK
POETRY SITE QUICK SEARCH
Poet Tools
Announcements
Contact Admin
Dictionary
Poet Activity Listings
Rhyme Zone
Spell Check
Thesaurus
My World
Post A New Poem
Contact Admin
My Account
My Achievements
My Messages( 0 )
My New Responses(0)
My New Reviews(0)
My Poems List
My Site Favorites
View My Home Page
Poetry Center
New Releases List
Poetry Aloud
Poems By Category
Poetry By Form
Poetry Archives
Poetry Workshop
Review A Random Poem
Review A Random Poet
Site Favourites
Newest Members
kissybear
perrywonder
angieegirl1774
hanagirl
flashmoney
SOLOMONSTORMII
bharat99
lvyanzi
Poet Messaging
Poetry Articles
 
Abstract Concept Words
 
by Al Rocheleau

There's a tendency for new poets to use concept words that identify an idea or emotion, but do nothing to SHOW those things.

"Love," "life," "death,""hate," "truth, "fear," "spirit," "soul," "beauty," "grief." There are a host of others--the common symbolic, "non-object" nouns that stand for VERY broad concepts. These are usually words to AVOID in a poem. You must SHOW these things; don't just say them. By themselves, these words mean nothing to the reader.

In fact, if you use one of those words, you can almost bet you just weaknened your poem. It might take one fine phrase to evoke "hate," or a stanza to really explore it, or an entire poem to revel in it. Don't just say "hate." Using the nebulous word "soul" in a poem is usually akin to holding up an identification sign for a stranger at an airport. You know-- "HERE I AM!!"

Only, your reader shouldn't BE a stranger. Let them get to know you (and your "soul"), and themselves, by showing them some little bit of the real stuff of life. Be inventive with sound, with images, with scene-setting, with the building momentum of lines and stanzas. As soon as you resort to a rote concept word-- you have begun to tell, not show-- and your poem will die.

(Before:)

Love dwells within your soul,
you see the beauty of life
through him.

(Instead, how about:)

There are those who can neither see
the filament that glows and drives your chosen saint,
however slowly, to his source.
You are not one of those, of course.

(The latter stanzas have something to do with love, devotion, duality, immortality perhaps-- but without using those concept words to say that.)

So avoid the trap. Spend some time working your lines in an original way, and leave the dumbly symbolic concept words on the slates those lonely chauffeurs at the airport.
 
Articles Home
About Poetry Articles for Poetry Writers at World of Poets

Poetry Articles for Poetry Writers at World of Poets puts poets in the drivers seat. Many poets simply write poems without giving them much thought. However, we believe that when you read about poets, about poetry, and about poem writing poets begin to write better poetry. Whether the poetry articles are about online writing tips, entering poetry cotnests, poetic devices, or about poetry literature in general, you are sure to benefit from reading as much about poetry as you can. Our articles on poetry focus on poetry meaning, how to write better poems, poem analysis and enjoyment. We have included poetry essays and knowledge about where to find poetry books on literary criticsm and rhyming as well. Go ahead poet, learn the craft of poetry by studying rhetorical devices, rading poetry writers, and trying to incorporate some literary devices into your own online writing. Poetry doesn't have to be difficult. Learning poetry can be fun, challenging, and rewarding. So read what has been written for the poetry writers of the world: great poetry articles!