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With there being so many different forms and elements of poetic diction, as a young poet you may find that the literary art has a tendency to frustrate more than it does excite when you read and attempt to accomplish works of your own. Hell, even the experienced poets still find it a struggle, despite the common perception that inspiration comes easily to them.

So, what is "poetry"? How does one define it? Is it even definable?

Probably the easiest way to answer these questions is to begin with the dictionary’s definition of the word:

1. Literature in metrical form; verse

or 2. The art or craft of writing verse.

Despite this basic introduction to the craft, though, the dictionary does no justice to the ambiguity of poetry, and it is uninspiring to define it as just words and lines.

According to liberal philosopher John Stuart Mill, poetry is "Feeling, confessing itself to itself . . . in symbols," which may help to explain its purpose and method that little bit more. Furthermore, to quote S.T.Coleridge, "Poetry is the best words in the best order," as opposed to prose, which is words in their best order.

There are endless amounts of poetic approximations, but despite the variety of structure and features -- meter, rhyme, metaphors -- all poetry, as a literary art, for certain has one thing in common: Language.

Language is how a poet is able to express his/her feelings and ideas; it speaks of things – any things – as a personal representation. Whether it be via a discrete poem, or feelings that occur in conjunction with other arts -- like poetic dramas or song lyrics – when a person is describing something via language they’re embodying it within the writing.

So, as a writer, how should you speak when using the language of poetry: Vividly or imaginatively?

In Tony Harrison’s ‘V’, he gives a vivid account of the graveyard at Beeston Hill, by choosing to use the words "CUNT", "PISS", "SHIT" and (mostly) "FUCK!" to describe the tombstone inscriptions.

Reading the famous Wordsworth poem ‘I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud’ presents a different view on language:

“I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.”

(lines 1-6)

Considering William Wordsworth used his sister Dorothy’s diaries as a source for a majority of his poetical works, this poem here is an example of imaginative writing. He imposes his own authority and familiarity with Dorothy’s experience, making it seem like it was his own.

The two given poems are very different -- showing how diverse poetry often is -- but rather than arguing which style is better, ask yourself: What really evokes your sensual responses and make it a truly memorable read?

Emily Dickinson said, "If I read a book and it makes my body so cold no fire ever can warm me, I know that is poetry,” which gives indication that good poetry is being able to relate to the life experience and imagine the ambiguity of it.

Whatever the style preference, once you develop a sense of satisfaction from reading the works of others, it is then that you should ask, “Why do I want to write?” before tackling the craft for yourself.

Embodying one’s ideas within writing is one of life’s biggest challenges: The precision, texture, beauty (and ugliness) of poetry is a reflection of art, culture and nature, which can give a blank page emotive qualities.

It is important to know about the non-limits of poetry, but don’t fret so much about what yours is going to be. Language is a basis for retrospection and reflection of what is going through your mind at a particular time.

Imagine that the page is a blank canvas, and the ink in your pen is the tool that is going to portray your experiences. Prepare to write -- but don't (not yet) -- without fear of what people will think. The rest will grow from here.

(C) Andy Carrington, 2009.

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