Puzzle Pieces

temerity · Feb 27, 2008

...I was just wondering if anyone could help out! Lately it seems like I've forgotten how to write a poem. I've been reading poetry more than ever--but when it comes to writing it, I feel like I'm standing on an invisible step with something both ahead and behind me.

I would call this writer's block, but I have pages and pages of one-liners written down...they just don't seem to have any common denominator which would tie them into a poem!

Anyway, has anyone else experienced this? Is it good-old writer's block, or just me? Any remedies?

Thanks!

Stew21 · Feb 27, 2008

Yes. Often. And when I do I just keep the puzzle pieces until they make sense.

They usually find a line to fall into eventually.

And sometimes I write a poem about the fact that I can't write a poem to bust down the gate.

Lately, I can read it, but can't write it. I know exactly how you feel- it just doesn't seem like my poetry season at the moment.

Trish, waiting for spring.

kdnxdr · Feb 27, 2008

I, too, seem to hit that wall. I find alot of relief going to the haiku chain and participating there. The haiku form in a chain helps to keep me writing even when I feel so inept.

Come and play with us!

kid

misterkel · Mar 29, 2008

I'm a novelist at heart and I just write poetry, and a fair amount of it, for the fun of it. I never have a problem writing it, which may be due to the fact that, as a novelist, I have plenty of words. But, sometimes it helps to write a deliberately bad poem, on a perhaps inane topic.
Also, sometimes you're writing by not writing, like the difference between making wine and drinking it.

poetinahat · Mar 29, 2008

I wish I could offer something helpful, temerity, but that's how things work for me a lot of the time. See my current sig line; just writing snippets is the closest I have to an 'approach'.

In fact, it's often a strange turn of phrase or detail from which poems grow. For me, they seldom start with a topic, but they often grow out of some small, unconnected image.

Teena · Apr 4, 2008

I mostly get stuck writing on my novel. To get out of that block I write poetry. The poetry games and exercises here at the Cooler are wonderful for sparking the muse. Jump in -- it's free and everybody wins!

The only other advice I can give is don't try too hard. Open up and let it flow. Struggling makes it hurt more.

Appalachian Writer · Apr 4, 2008

I have a line that I've kept for years, a line that came to me during one of the times you're going through right now. "Like Nefertiti in the dark" I love that line. I stuck it in a short story I wrote, but I'm still waiting for the poem to form around the line. This too shall pass. You'll suddenly find an inspiration, lines will come light lightning, and all will be well.

Puzzle Pieces

temerity

desperately deadlined!

Stew21

kdnxdr

One of the most important people in the world

misterkel

poetinahat

Numbers are beautiful

Teena

Bennie's Mom

Appalachian Writer

Somewhere in the hills....