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Here, we present a brief overview of the elements of poetry for those of you who are not familiar with the technical aspects of poetry writing. These basic elements will teach you how to write powerful Love Poems that will make a lasting impression on the one you love! - Copyright © 1983 Ara John Movsesian (Excerpt from Pearls of Love: How to Write Love Letters and Love Poems)
Basic Elements: Rhythm, Rhyme and Imagery
Rhythm
Most poetry has rhythm, and rhythm is achieved by emphasizing or deemphasizing certain syllables in the words used in the lines of the love poem.
The syllables, themselves, are then grouped into two or three syllable units called "feet".
Examples of different types of "feet": (note: all underlined syllables are emphasized)
[My love ] [ for you ] [ will al ] [ ways be , ]
The above feet in [ ] brackets are called "iambs" because they are each composed of two syllables with the second syllable of each foot emphasized
[ Slow ly ] [ soft ly ] [ and so ] [ gent ly ]
The above feet in brackets are called trochees" because they are each composed of two syllables with the first syllable of each foot emphasized.
[ Sweet heart ] [ thou art ] [ al ways ] [ at heart ]
The above feet in brackets are called "spondees" because they are each composed of two syllables with both syllables of each foot emphasized.
[ Self res pect ] [ is a chieved ] [ when one leaves ] [ lust and greed ]
The above feet in brackets are called "dactyls" because they are each composed of three syllables with the first syllable of each foot emphasized.
[ Dis res pect ] [ can not be ] [ for a love ] [ to be free ]
The above feet in brackets are called "anapests' because they are each composed of three syllables with the third syllable of each foot emphasized.
Rhythm, as you can see from the above, depends on emphasized and deemphasized syllables which make up "feet."
Taking this a step further, a "line" or "verse" of a poem is made up of one or more "feet."
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