Poets Proceed with Caution

Most people when embarking on the discovery of their talent for writing, or when beginning their endeavor to become a writer start with poetry. Word of warning, proceed with caution.

Poetry is not the easy place with which to begin. It's not start at all, it is an ending. There is a formula, there is careful calculation, there is use of line and meter, and they are not to be entered in to without precautionary measures. Rhyme isn't something that you throw about and at the end nod your head and call it a poem. Rhyme can be a prison cell and rhythm your sentence.

If you are poet you will fall to this place naturally. You will be freed rather than imprisoned, and line and meter will bend to your will. If you find yourself flailing between counts, move on from this place with a bow of recognition to those who do it with such ease and try your hand at a short story instead.