How to write a horror poem

Pacing is key

Consider sentence length when you’re writing your scary scenes. When you want to slow the action, make your sentences longer. When the monster attacks, go short. Staccato even.

Write darkness in the center of a piece of paper and then list words around the center that relate to darkness. Do not try to edit to your list or think too much as you write. The idea is to generate terms and words that conjure up darkness for you, which you can then use later when you sit down to write your poem.

Short poems can convey intimate moments with simple, specific, compelling words. A short poem differs from a long one in that poets may spend more time on word choice and clarity. Given this meticulous undertaking, writing a short poem can actually be tougher than writing a long poem!

There are three main kinds of poetry: narrative, dramatic and lyrical. It is not always possible to make distinction between them. For example, an epic poem can contain lyrical passages, or lyrical poem can contain narrative parts.

American Cinquains

The American cinquain is an unrhymed, five-line poetic form defined by the number of syllables in each line—the first line has two syllables, the second has four, the third six, the fourth eight, and the fifth two (2-4-6-8-2). They are typically written using iambs.

Blank Verse is any verse comprised of unrhymed lines all in the same meter, usually iambic pentameter. Along with the iamb are 3 other standard feet and a number of variations that can be employed in a blank verse poem.

These elements may include, voice, diction, imagery, figures of speech, symbolism and allegory, syntax, sound, rhythm and meter, and structure.