When it comes to writing poetry, there are several elements that come together to make a poem reader worthy. While not all of these elements have to be a part of each poem that one writes, it is important to include as many as needed for the style of poetry that is being scribed. These elements are as follows:

• Rhyme: When it comes to rhyme, a poem may or may not have it. A poem that has rhyme is one where the last words of the lines match with each other in some way.

• Style: The way the poem is written. Free-style, ballad, haiku, etc. The style includes length of meters, number of stanzas along with rhyme techniques and rhythm.

• Rhythm: The rhythm is the music of the poem. It is made by the statements of the poem, which includes the syllables in the lines. You can read the poems out loud to hear the sound and ask yourself if the wording sounds right or if it needs to be tweaked a bit.

• Meter: This is the basic structure of the poem. A poet should ask themselves if the syllables match and do the lines in the poem adhere to the structure.

• Alliteration: This is also used in several poems for sound effect. This is where two or more words which have the same initial sound.

• Simile: A simile is a method of comparison using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’. When, in a poem, something is said to be ‘like’ another, the poet is using simile to convey the feeling about what is being described.

• Metaphor: A metaphor is a method of comparison, but unlike the simile, the words ‘like’ and ‘as’ are not used.

• Onomatopoeia: Words that sound like their meaning. For example, buzz, moo, pow.

• Repetitions: This is where repetition of the same word throughout the poem to emphasize significance.

• Theme: The theme of the poem is the essential idea that the poet wants to convey. It can be a story, or a thought, or a description of something or someone.

• Symbolism: Often poems will convey ideas and thoughts using symbols. Often a symbol used in a poem leads the reader out of a regular and structured method of looking at things.

These elements are proof that poetry is truly and art form. Not all poems have to have all of these elements to be a good poem; however, it is a good idea to include a few to give a poem some standing legs.