Composing poetry

There are certain considerations to be made, both technical and stylistic, when writing poetry. Technical consideration include poetic meter and structure. Stylistic considerations tend to be harder to define, but can include poetic devices such as kennings.

Poetry by and for non-geniuses

Amongst the most accessible 16th Century poetry is that of William Shakespeare. He is however a genius and therefore a bad model for the rest of us. No matter how much you try, you can't write as well as he did.

Therefore, it is better, or at least easier, to model your work after people who are less good.

Some interesting poets include

• Walter Raleigh - especially his Reply to Kit Marlowe's A Passionate Shepherd to his Love. You can find much of his poetry via Google
• George Gascoigne - Certayne Notes of Instruction is your basic 16th Century Poetry for Dummies book. Download it at http://leehrsn.stormloader.com/gg/cnoi.html. You can find much of his poetry via Google

Finally, remember to count the syllables ...