Poetry Table

Writing a poem is only the first step in the creative process.  A poet needs to revise and review a poem several times before it is complete.  The revision process can take a couple of days, or in some cases it may take a couple of years.  In the end, nobody will ever ask, “How long did it take?”  They will only comment on the quality.  So, take your time in revising poems.  Here are guidelines to use a computer to make your poems complete.

From Journal to Computer

Most people write down their poems long hand in a journal.  This is most convenient for those poetic moments that occur to us day to day in our lives.  After we’ve collected numerous pages of poems, half-poems, observations and reflections, it’s time to decide which ones are going to be transformed into completed works.  Out of ten pages in your journal, you may find only one or two pages that really deserve the fine attention of the revision process.  The other eight or nine poems may rest peacefully in the journal, but not be strong enough to develop further.  Select the best poems from your journal and open a new file on your computer.

First Draft on Computer

The first time you type your poem into the computer gives you a chance to do basic checks of spelling and grammar.  Read your poem several times out loud to determine if you like the sound and flow.  Then consider ways to make the language stronger, clearer and more specific.  This can be done using the thesaurus function on your word processor. 

Poetry Table

The thesaurus helps you brainstorm optional word choices for your poem.  Consider this famous opening line by William Shakespeare:  When to the sessions of sweet silent thought.  Evaluate each of the four alternative words that he could have chosen (had he owned a computer):

Of course, the thesaurus cannot do all of your poetry writing for you.  As you can tell, some of the alternative words would do great damage to the poem.  Imagine if Shakespeare had written, While in assemblies of charming, soundless contemplation.  If he had, we wouldn’t be reading his poetry today.  Other alternatives may sound more suitable, such as, During moments of pure tacit reflection.  This line is reasonably good, although does not compare to the original.

Your own Poetry Table

The purpose of the poetry table is certainly not to make improvements to Shakespeare!  The goal is to help you improve your own writing by finding the best word choice, most exact meaning, and clearest images for your own poems.

Here is an example from a student poem that can be made stronger and more visual through the use of a poetry table.  The original line of poetry is:  In the dark place turned to light.  The thesaurus helps brainstorm alternatives. 

The poetry table suggests several alternative lines.  Consider each of the following possibilities and evaluate which one you think is the best.

1. Within my gloomy quarters twisted into radiance
2. Contained by shadows of my dwelling, transformed into brightness
3. Inside the gloomy abode, home converted to a glow

These alternatives are more colourful and specific than the original, but they don’t sound right.  Why is that?

Poetic Judgment

Ultimately, it is the poet’s responsibility to revise her own poem according to her own creative awareness and sensitivity.  A computer is limited to programmed language, lacking the spice of original creativity.  Therefore, even with the aid of a computer, words must be chosen carefully and in moderation.  Here are a few suggestions to improve the line above by using the thesaurus more sparingly.

1. Within the dark dwelling turned to light
2. Surrounded by gloomy shadows when daylight arrived
3. The dark quarters were transformed to radiant light

Each of these examples uses the poetry table for only one or two revised words.  Use the vocabulary that best suits your intended image and meaning.

The poetry table is one tool to help you revise your poetry.  Use it to expand your word knowledge and make language more vivid and intense, but do not be constrained by it.  Use this tool to set your poetry free; not to tie it up in complex rules.