how to

How-tos for all things poetry; learn how to analyze a poem, construct a haiko, differentiate between a metaphor and simile and more.

Disappearing in Plain Sight
Wear only simple clothes. Neutrals. No logos. Smile just enough. Don’t smile too much or people will talk to you. Don’t frown or someone will ask what’s wrong.
By cameron crewsabout a year ago in Poets
Ghosts
How do you talk to the ghost of the unknown? What to do when you’re alone in room full of people It’s your personal rain cloud on a sunny day
By Atomic Historianabout a year ago in Poets
They usually don't listen
Speaking without hope of being heard has become all too common. We tiptoe around fragile feelings, but sacrifice our own pride.
By Marcus Hillabout a year ago in Poets
Each piece put together makes a picture
Continue — just one word that expresses the will to go forward, to push through every hardship one may encounter. Continue,
By Marcus Hillabout a year ago in Poets
With a Thunderous Applause
We will look at the children with questions in their eyes We will have to explain how some were genuinely surprised At the uproar and political sell outs who cared more for money than people
By Cadmaabout a year ago in Poets
7 Ways to Evaporate
Stare into the fire too long. Step on a crack (do this after getting cursed by a witch; most witches will do this for free except for witches of the verdant variety—the kind that specialize in hearth & home—she won't curse you unless you break her heart first). Only smile at people who don't smile back, then listen to a sad song. Any sad song will do. I recommend Elliot Smith. Get a degree in the humanities, then spend the next ten years looking for work. Watch your student loans grow. Ivy over a garden wall. Eventually, the amount you owe is more than what you borrowed. (Note: In the end, the amount you owe is always more than what you borrowed.)Burn all of your journals. Do not recycle them. This would be a mistake. Your words might reincarnate and find meaning again as a cardboard box for a litter of kittens, or a bandage wrapped around the knee of a boy who fell off his bike. Get lost in an art museum or an ex's embrace. This will only last a day. But you can always return to what makes you break, and let it happen again. Make someone forget you. This is not as easy as it sounds.
By Tyler Clarkabout a year ago in Poets
Vanishing Points
Start by swallowing the loudest truth. Let it rest beneath the tongue until it forgets how to move. Breathe shallow. Smile enough. Nod when spoken to.
By Marcus Hillabout a year ago in Poets
Poof! - You’re Gone
No homosexual slur, not on your life, I simply want to put a poof into your life. One minute you are here, The next time you are gone,
By Calvin Londonabout a year ago in Poets
Well-intentioned Elite Person
Rich people around the world generally live quiet lives. To avoid exposing their wealth to others, No one wants to offend anyone.
By TheNaethabout a year ago in Poets
Slippery Living
Romanced by, annihilation A force to bring me, To my knees, Again and again, Enamored by, the weeping, Willow trees, Dam broken.
By Jessie Foleyabout a year ago in Poets
Instructions for Vanishing. Runner-Up in Instructions for Disappearing Challenge.
Let nature be your guide. Believe every season is final. Promise nothing but disappearance as winter leaves no room for spring.
By Bernard Bleskeabout a year ago in Poets
Becoming You
Step One. Be firm in your conviction. This is not a place for wavering or the feint of heart. - Step Two. Denounce your identity.
By B. M. Valdezabout a year ago in Poets