by Christy Birmingham

Created on: February 10, 2012   Last Updated: April 27, 2012

Valentine’s Day is a time for sharing love as well as cards, chocolates, and poetic works. If you want to write poetry for Valentine’s Day, get started by grabbing a paper and pen.

Themes

Begin the writing process by organizing your thoughts onto the paper in front of you. What concepts are usually linked to Valentine’s Day? Create a circle in the middle of the page and write “Valentine’s Day” within the circle. Write words about the Day in circles around the main bubble.

As images spring to your mind, jot them down onto the paper. Words might include “love,” “passion,” “bond,” “cheerful,” and “relationship.”

These words will be used within the poem. By putting your concepts down onto paper you will feel less intimidated when you start the process of writing the poem. The paper will no longer be a blank page. You are building the base for your poem and what words you will use in the final product.

Add In Concrete Images

Add detail to the written words in order to create images that the reader finds identifiable. The images will also be unique, which encourages the reader to become immersed in your work.

How to find these images? Look at your own past relationships and events. Try watching other people for inspiration as well.  For instance, how do the two people you are watching show love to one another? Do they hold hands or does he touch her cheek gingerly? Describe these actions in a few written lines; these lines will become part of your love poem.

Read Poetry

A great way to find inspiration and learn about writing is to read love poetry. Read poems written by both local and well-known poets. Read different styles of poetry as well if you are not familiar with the variations. Get a sense of what style of poetry you would like to write as well as what sections you like within the poems you read. Try to imitate a style using the words you have written down during the previous sections.

Poems can easily be found online through a Google keyword search or at a library. Neither source requires money, which means creating a love poem for Valentine’s Day is both a cost-effective and personal way to express your love to someone special.

A Second Pair of Eyes

With an outline of your love poem complete, ask for a critique from friends or family members. Listen to the advice and decide how the tips will impact your poem. While you can choose not to rewrite the poem, you want to ensure the poem clearly expresses the message for which it was originally created. Poetry groups are also available online to offer critique to budding poets as well as established authors.

Remember that poetry does not have to rhyme or use a traditional structure. Perhaps popping a Valentine’s Day chocolate heart will help get you in the mood to write a love poem that is loved by the masses. Perhaps you will be the one who loves your own poem, and that is above all what is important. Remember to show yourself love as well this Valentine's Day.

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