Allen’s Rules For Writing A Poem

Mary Biddinger, editor of Barn Owl Review, asks, “What are your written or unwritten rules.” The responses, on her blog, are very interesting reading. Mine is here:

Allen’s Rules For Writing Poetry

1. First, I have no rules.
2. I don’t follow other people’s rules
3. If there is a rule that I’m supposed to follow then I break it.
4. If I’m expected to break a rule then I follow it.
5. Sometimes I write a rule just so I’ll have one to break.
6. I take risks. Even when I’m not taking risks, I’m planning my next rule break.
7. I don’t shun forms or devices because they’re too hard, too easy, or because I don’t like them. If I don’t try it then I can’t beat myself up for failing.
8. I write like an editor, edit like a writer, and read like a critic.
9. No poems go unrevised, except those that don’t need it.
10. There’s nothing I won’t do in a poem, nothing I won’t write about, and no one I won’t include; but I just might decide to leave things out anyway because I have that option.
11. I always limit my rules to ten.

All questions regarding these rules should be directed to the Department of Poetic Policy at (123) YAM-ETA4. Press 1 for discussing the rules, 2 for breaking the rules, 3 for obedience and submission, and 4 if you don’t give a damn. Otherwise, hold. We’ll be with you shortly.

Related posts:

1. Poetry Rules: What Should A Poem Be About?
2. Apposition Vs. Exposition (Or Who Writes The Rules?)
3. Writing Poetry Is A Craft, There Is No Acceptable Method
4. On Being A Poet: 7 Things You Should Know
5. Today’s Religious Poem: The Lantern By W.S. Merwin