Poetry is something we all encounter at some point in our lives, but for some of us, verse speaks to the soul in a way that prose never could. Many poetry fanatics have their very own poetry collections which fill their bookshelves, but with the rise of the internet, it has become easier than ever before to discover new poems and writers as well as share one’s own work with others. As with many hobbies and interests, poetry has its own online community.
This community of writing poetry, and sharing and discussing poems can be found and joined on social media outlets such as Facebook and Instagram, as well as blogs and websites dedicated to poetry.
Regardless of the genre of poetry you’re interested in, whether you write poetry or simply enjoy poetry reading and discussing the work of others, the World Wide Web really is your oyster! The beauty of using the internet to explore the world of poetry is that you can find exactly what you’re looking for – no flicking through anthologies or buying a poetry book to find the perfect poem. If you’re looking for a poem for a certain occasion, or you just want to find some fitting words, there are lots of poetry websites which sort their poems into categories with tags, so you can spend more time reading and less time searching! However, while the internet can make finding new poems about certain things a lot easier, the large amount of information available to poetry lovers can sometimes be overwhelming. This is why we’ve picked out a great selection of poem websites to make your life easier, so you can spend more time enjoying each carefully-written stanza you may come across.
All You Need to Know about Writing Poetry and Discovering New Poets
Poetry is an art form which captures the hearts and minds of many. Anyone can be a poet, whether you occasionally take pleasure in noting down interesting phrases which cross your mind, or you’re a songwriter, creating your very own poetry can give you a means to put your emotions into words as well as speaking out about issues close to your heart. To write poetry is to observe and report while you experiment with language to tell a story.
Poetry is a unique genre of creative writing which showcases the artistic qualities of language as well as the musicality hidden beneath everyday sentences.
Unlike prose, poetry uses the natural rhythm of the words that make up a language to make even free verse distinct from other traditional and modern poetry. Poetry is also about structuring sentences based on the sounds of words; the sonnet (famous in English poetry thanks to Shakespeare) is arranged by rhyme scheme, whereas the haiku is arranged by syllables. Each lyric is carefully considered, with no room for meaningless additions to the narrative. Many poetry fanatics have their very own poetry collections which fill their bookshelves, but with the rise of the internet, it has become easier than ever before to discover new poems and writers as well as share one’s own work with others.
Why Find Poetry Online?
As we have already seen, there are many things that make the internet a great place for discovering new poetry, but there is much more to online poetry than you may think. So, what makes the internet such a great place for poem lovers? And how can participation in online poetry communities inspire poetry writers and readers alike? The resources available to poetry nuts on the internet are wide and varied. For instance, if you’re looking for a specific poem you have in mind, you’ll be able to find and print it off. Likewise, if you want to find a poem of a certain genre or for a special occasion, poetry websites tend to organize works into categories using keywords, so you can find a poem that fits the brief perfectly.
In addition to the many websites which can help you find poetry, there are also plenty of platforms on which you can share the poetry you have written. When it comes to using the World Wide Web for showcasing your work, there is a good range of outlets where you can simply post for your own pleasure or welcome feedback on your poems. Whatever your poetic or literary interests, the online world has almost everything you need to satisfy your creative needs.
The Best Poetry Sites for Discovering New Poetry
The internet can be a treasure trove, but it can also become a bit of a black hole at the best of times. This is why knowing of a few good poetry websites to use can make your online experience far more pleasant and less overwhelming. Not only can a good poetry website provide you with amazing poems, but it can also invite discussion among readers. Many poetry websites are also known to advertise poetry events around the world – who knows? You may end up on a poetry-inspired trip!
Here are just some of the most popular websites used by poem fanatics to engage in the online poetry community:
- Hello Poetry
Hello Poetry was built as a clean, clutter-free space for poetry lovers to share and enjoy poetry. The website, known as HePo, has significantly grown in popularity in recent years, meaning that readers are never short of new content. Upon reaching the HePo homepage, users are met with the sleek, monochrome design of the site which puts poems at the centre. Users can view poems ordered by date or even request a random poem. One of the site’s handiest features is the ‘Make me…’ tab, with which users can be given poems to make them smile, think, cry, or laugh – poems are added to each of these categories based on real feedback from readers. You, too, can also provide a poetry review of the poems featured on Hello Poetry by making an account.
- Poetry by Heart
The Poetry by Heart website is a resource for the use of participants of the poetry recitation competition of the same name as well as those teaching poetry and learning about poetry in school. Despite its purpose as a learning resource for students, the Poetry by Heart website is also useful for poetry lovers in general.
The site features a poetry timeline anthology which you can use to find poems from the year 1000 to the present day. In addition, each poem is accompanied by a short biography of its author and an overview of the background to the work itself. The website also has a ‘lucky dip’ feature which chooses a random poem for you to read and enjoy. With its many helpful materials and insights into the inspiration behind each poem, the Poetry by Heart website is great for delving deeper into the poetry world.
- Poem Hunter
On Poem Hunter, you can find selections of poems arranged by genre, author and popularity, as well as a hand-picked poem a day to inspire you. In addition to the huge selection of poetry that Poem Hunter has to offer, the website also has a feature that helps user track down poetry quotes. In the same way that you can find poems from a particular author or certain genre, you can find quotations that fit your search criteria. Like many other poetry websites, Poem Hunter also has a random poem generator for users who are feeling spontaneous.
- Poetry Foundation
The Poetry Foundation is an organization which works to make poetry a key feature of our everyday lives by seeking out new works and raising their profile in the world to reach as wide an audience as possible. The Poetry Foundation website features pages dedicated to poems and prose as well as information on prevalent poets. The organization has also compiled collections of poetry for various occasions and seasons. In addition to this, the website also has a 100-year archive of POETRY magazine run by the Poetry Foundation. Users can browse the website according to the type of poem or poet. For instance, there is a collection of poems from Shakespeare, Edgar Allen-Poe, Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman, as well as collection based on the poets' provenance and school. For those who are auditory learners, or simply enjoy listening to poetry rather than reading it, there is also a facility for doing so. Poetry lovers can listen to recitations of individual poems as well as catch up on the Poetry Magazine Podcast, which features poetry readings and discussions.
Where to Share Poetry Online
It’s very common for poetry lovers to be keen poets themselves. For some, their poetry creations are strictly private, but for others, sharing their work is a must. Sharing a poem you’re proud of is a great way to seek feedback on your work, and with plenty of like-minded people on the internet to get advice from, the online poetry community is a great resource for exploring and improving your work. So, what are your options when it comes to sharing your poems?
- Submit poems to poetry websites
Many of the most popular poetry websites do take submissions. All you have to do is register with the website and find the email address or page to send your work to. If a website accepts your submission, you’ll be able to view it online, just like other users, who may give you feedback and criticism on your poetry writing. For those trying their hand at poetry, however, the selective nature of these sites when it comes to publishing submissions can be off-putting, which is why many new poets and writers share their work via other platforms instead.
- AllPoetry
One popular platform, which boasts the title of ‘the largest poetry community’ is perfect for new poets who are looking to share their work and receive feedback on their creative writing. With no membership fees to pay, all poets have to do is submit their poem to the website. After this, poems are published for others to review. The aim of this website is inclusivity and encouragement. It is open to everyone; from beginners to published authors, and it is designed in such a way that every poet receives several positive comments.
- Social media
Social media is not only at the centre of our personal lives, but it is becoming more and more present in the professional world, too, as its features are carefully constructed in order to help people expand their reach.
The rise of the ‘Instagram poet’ has seen poetry become part of the online mainstream, as poets share their short works by sharing them in the form of an image, as well as using the ‘stories’ feature to introduce a new style of delivery to their poetry. Many budding poets create separate poetry accounts on various social media sites (such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) to share their work and gain a following, as well as starting a blog for their work. The phenomenon of social media poetry has already produced best-selling poet Rupi Kaur, who started out by sharing her work on Instagram.
Here are a couple of things to keep in mind when submitting your work to poetry websites:
- Do your research, get a feel for what kind of work the publisher usually releases.
- Check submission guidelines. Keep in mind the format asked and any additional documents you might need to submit alongside your verse.
- Ask for feedback. It is reasonable and smart to ask for feedback about your poetry. This will help you improve your creative writing.
Some websites are very picky with what they publish, others simply encourage young poets to share their work. Do not be discouraged if you aren't published right away, there are plenty of options for places where you can submit your poetry.
Poetry Competitions
Personal writings are often texts which are kept private to the author, especially if they feature detail about thoughts or feelings which one feels would be better left undiscovered. However, for many avid writers, no matter how personal their creations, sharing the poetry they are proud of is a must.
Apart from sharing your poetry with the online and print world, your poetry can also help you win grand prizes. There is an array of poetry contests that you can enter to win with the submission of your poems. Creative writing competitions can be found online, at your university, and even through your local newspaper. These contests can be specific to individual types of poems like haikus, lyric poetry, or acrostic pieces, but they may also be for general creative writing.
Various competitions take place across the world and encompass all styles. From a contemporary poetry competition organized by a well-known poetry magazine to a spoken poetry slam at the Edinburgh Fringe, there really is something for everyone. The National Poetry Library website is a great place to find competitions to enter. It lists each competition along with a description and rules for entrants. Here is a brief overview of the competitions open to budding poets:
- Winchester Poetry Prize
The Winchester Poetry Festival runs a large number of poetry competitions for children and adults throughout the year. The annual competition for the Winchester Poetry Prize, in particular, is aimed at adults and offers a $1000 prize for 1st place – well worth the $5 entry fee! In addition to this, all winning pieces, as well as a selection of entries, will be published in a competition anthology. Authors are not restricted to a certain genre or form of poem all that the National Poetry Library asks is that all entries are original and unpublished.
- Palette Poetry, Writer's Digest, and the Academy of American Poets
Palette Poetry, Writer's Digest, and the Academy of American Poets all host prominent poetry contests throughout the year. Submitting your work can be as easy as sending your poem via email.
- Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award
Run by the Poetry Society, this competition is open to writers between the ages of 11 and 17. There is no entry fee, and the lucky winner can look forward to mentoring, writing, and poetry classes, as well as having their poetry work published in a renowned anthology.
- Stanza Poetry Competition
Also organized by the poetry society, the Stanza Poetry Competition is open to members of the Poetry Society. Entrants may submit up to two poems, each one being no longer than 40 lines long. The theme of the competition for 2018 is ‘tradition’, which poets may interpret in whichever way they wish.
There are also many other platforms that host competitions. The Poets and Writers website has a running list of poetry contests that you can enter throughout the year. You can search their list to find out the details about the contests, including deadlines, prompts, and submission guidelines.
When polishing the pieces, you wish to submit to one of the many contests, make sure to keep the following in mind.
- Be creative with your topic
- Don't force the rhyming
- Don't wait till last minute
- Understand the contest's guidelines
There's also very popular poetry competitions in the UK where you can submit your work.
The Best Poetry e-Books
There’s nothing quite like a book, and when it comes to poetry, books aren’t something you read only once; each well-thumbed anthology forms an important part of a poetry collection with poems to be enjoyed over and over again. In order to improve your poetry writing, you first need to read a great deal of poetry. The more you read, the better your prose will become.
A poem a day gets you writing better right away!
Collections of poems are easy to come across. There are thousands of curated collections online but there are also those in print. Poetry books such as classic poetry anthologies, contemporary compilations, and even children's poetry books can be found easily.
From coffee table poem books to anthologies full of poems about certain occasions, there are poetry books for every situation. Here are some of the most popular poetry books on the market at the moment:
- Poetry by Heart: A Treasury of Poems to Read Aloud
Poetry by Heart is a compilation of poems to be learnt and recited. Popular among teenagers, the 200 poems were originally published in the anthology as a selection from which competitors of the annual Poetry by Heart competition were to choose the poems they would recite. This anthology has poems to be enjoyed by readers of all backgrounds and ages. With famous pieces from everyone from poet laureate William Wordsworth to Wilfred Owen, as well as lesser-known poets, this book is a brilliant go-to for any lover of poetry.
- Milk and Honey – Rupi Kaur
This New York Times Bestseller is a collection of poems from the poet Rupi Kaur. The style of Kaur’s poetry is one which magnifies even the tiniest of moments in the human experience, describing them with an unfamiliar rawness. With a focus on love, pain and femininity, this poetry book is best suited to young adults.
- The Poetry Pharmacy – William Sieghart
Just as described by its title, The Poetry Pharmacy is a collection of poems for those in need of healing, whether it be from pain, a loss of hope, heartbreak or worry. This anthology is described by Stephen Fry as containing ‘balm for the soul, fire for the belly, a cooling compress for the fevered brow, solace for the wounded, an arm around the lonely shoulder’.
Meanwhile here are a couple of collections worth the mentioning...
The Figured Wheel is a 21-poem collection by Robert Pinsky. Pinsky held the prestigious position of Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 1997 to 2000. The book includes Pinsky's best-known verse essay "An Explanation of America". It also includes poems that bring together the Japanese custom of linking-poems and the American custom of ethnic jokes.
Some Ether by Nick Flynn is a great example of a contemporary collection of poetry. Nick Flynn is an American writer, playwright, and poet. Some Ether focuses on Flynn's mother’s suicide, his difficult childhood, and his stilted family life. The book touches on very heavy subjects but Flynn's ability to incorporate bright beautiful language into dark topics is one of the many reasons for which to book is revered for.
Consider enrolling in online poetry classes to explore your creativity, enhance your writing skills, and learn from experienced poets, all from the convenience of your own home. These classes provide valuable feedback and inspiration, helping you to develop your unique voice and refine your poetic craft.
The Best Poetry Quotes on the Web
To be or not to be, that is the question - Hamlet by Shakespeare
You probably recognize this quote from common knowledge or have heard it be alluded to in your favorite movie or TV show. But do you know where it actually comes from? "To be or not to be" is a phrase derived by one of Shakespeare's most famous works, Hamlet. The phrase alludes to the possibility of forgoing having to deal with issues by choosing death. If we are dead, we don't necessarily have to handle our troubles. Hamlet's character ponders about taking an "easy" way out and avoiding the troubles before him. Shakespeare is not the only writer that has forged together iconic verses, many other poets have been able to do the same. Lines from poems by Robert Frost, Lord Tennyson, and many others have become quite infamous. There is plenty of information across the web to help you further understand your favorite poetry. You can also see what other great authors have to say about poetry as an art form.
The art of poetry is rather poetic in itself, and it’s for this reason that there are so many famous quotations on the subject. All kinds of people have something to say about poetry; whether their interests lie in philosophy, literature, journalism, music or another area, poetry can be found just about anywhere. There are also many quotes about the process of penning a poem, which can motivate budding poets to overcome their writers’ block. Here are a few of poetry quotes to get you thinking:
“There is not a particle of life which does not bear poetry within it.” - Gustave Flaubert
This quote from French novelist Gustave Flaubert, born in 1821, explains the omnipresence of poetry in every aspect of life. Flaubert’s interests were in literary realism, so, perhaps this shows that there is beauty to be enjoyed in even the most mundane parts of life.
“Poetry is just the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash.” - Leonard Cohen
A poet and singer himself, Leonard Cohen believes that life is what generates poetry. Perhaps this quote highlights how living your life to the full, exploring, trying new things and learning will inspire your writing. It could also mean that the fuller the life you live, the more you will create.
“A poem begins with a lump in the throat.” - Robert Frost
Here, poet Robert Frost acknowledges the emotion behind every poem. Though poetry is usually shared and read by many, at its origin, writing a poem is a very personal experience.
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