Many people think that every poem must have rhymes to be a poem.  While many poems do have rhymes, you have freedom to write however you choose.  The problem with many newcomers to writing poetry is a limited concept of rhyming techniques.  Some people think the only way to rhyme is to put words that match perfectly at the end of each line.  This kind of rhyming can become terribly boring because it is too predictable, especially when written with a limited vocabulary. 

Alliteration is a subtle rhyming technique that gives unity and flow to poems by connecting consonant sounds.  Alliteration can occur anywhere within a word.  A masterful example of alliteration is displayed in D. H. Lawrence’s Baby Running Barefoot.  Read this stanza aloud and notice how the alliteration develops unity throughout the stanza:

1. Notice the alliteration of /w/ in when, white, flowers, wind, water, weeds
2. Notice the /t/ sounds in white, feet, beat, little, water
3. Notice the /b/ and /p/ sounds in poise, puffs, pass, baby and beat
4. Observe the end rhyme in “grass and pass,” “wind and thinned.”

Sample Sounds

Look at these examples of alliteration for the /n/ sound and read them aloud.  Note that alliteration refers to the sound, not the spelling, of the word.

Create your own examples of alliteration for the /t/ sound and read them aloud:

When you read aloud, note how the /t/ sounds are sharper and stronger than the /n/ sounds.  The /t/ sounds can be used emphasize sharp, strong ideas.

Advantages of Alliteration

Alliteration has many advantages.  One, words do not have to match exactly, so the range of words to choose from is greater.  Two, alliteration need not constantly occur at the same place in the line.  Thus, it is more flexible and not so predictable.  This allows the writer to create common sounds running through the lines, but it doesn’t force the poem to follow strict rhyming rules that can sound artificial.  Finally, several patterns of alliteration can occur together as in the example by Lawrence.

Selecting Sounds

Poetry is much more than just the sound of the words.  How can the concept of alliteration be applied in a meaningful poem?  Begin with choosing a theme for your poem.  In this example, the word is “peaceful,” which consists of the consonant sounds /p/, /s/, /f/ and /l/.  Make a list of words that alliterate with each of the consonants in the word “peaceful,” while at the same time relating to the theme of peace.

Sorting the Sounds

Begin writing your poem with thoughts about peace.  Concentrate on the meaning of the poem itself, while selecting words based on their consonant sounds.  Notice the gentle alliteration of the /s/ and /f/ sounds in this example:

Completing your Peaceful Poem

Be careful that your poem doesn’t have too much alliteration or it will seem unnatural.  Read it aloud and let your own ears judge how much alliteration is suitable.