School of Liberal Arts
University Writing Center
“Because writers need readers”
Cavanaugh Hall 427
University Library 2125
(317) 274-2049
(317) 278-8171
http://liberalarts.iupui.edu/uwc/
Poetry - Revision
Revising free verse poetry is quite different from revising academic writing or even fiction. But just
because poetry is an art form doesn’t mean that there is no way to improve it. This handout outlines a
simple method for revising free verse poetry, as well as pointing out poetry pitfalls to be avoided.
Read the poem aloud.
Reading out loud is useful when revising any piece of writing, as it allows you to hear potential mistakes
or breaks in auditory flow. However, reading aloud is crucial in revising poetry, because it allows you to
hear the rhythm of the piece. Poetry should maintain an auditory flow and rhythm.
Look at the poem’s intended message.
How do readers interpret the poem, without the author’s insight? A reader’s interpretation may mesh
perfectly with what the author intends, or the author may discover that his/her poem can be interpreted in
a way that was never intended. Also, many readers may assume that the voice of the poem’s speaker is
the same as the author’s voice, which is not always the case. Ask yourself these questions: is the voice of
the poem clear? What emotional response is the poem intended to create in a reader? Does it achieve this?
Appeal to the five senses.
Poetry should create an image, as well as an emotional response. Does the poem contain imagery that
appeals to at least one of the five senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, smell)? Is this imagery tangible? That
is, can it be perceived, clearly and definitely? As with any descriptive writing, poetry should show, not
tell.
Avoid clichés.
Clichés are overused, worn-out phrases. Rather than using a cliché to merely tell the reader “his heart was
broken,” a poem should show the reader. For instance, “his heart glittered like a smashed mirror.” The
second example is more effective than the cliché as it creates a more distinct, fresh image for readers.
Look at the details.
Does the poem contain many abstract or intangible nouns, such as love, freedom, hatred? These should be
concrete, or tangible, nouns that are more easily visualized by readers. Are the poem’s verbs and
adjectives specific? Has unnecessary or unintentional repetition of language and/or sounds been removed
from the poem? Is there language that detracts from the message of the poem?
SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS
INDIANA UNIVERSITY
University Writing Center
IUPUI
Revised September 2013
Written by Amber Lane, Elizabeth Watness, Leslie Weaver, Mary Ann Cohen, Pat Harvey