The Lost Poem by Ryan Mattock

Ryan, Read, read, read, and write, write write. There are several books that I have found really useful that were all books from writing courses I have taken over the past. Perrine's, Sound and Sense, Minot's, Three Genres, The Writing of Poetyr, Fiction and Drama, and The College Handbook of Creative Writing by Robert DeMaria. I can't find my favorite book, but I can let you know if you would like. I'd especially read up on cliches (they'll kill you poem and there is definately an art when rhyming.) I hope this helps. By the way, I think you have a great start.

I like this as well Ryan, I agree with Jamie, but try and develop your own style, try out different subjects and formats, you will see most of them on this site.

I saw your post in one of the forums here at poemhunter, and figured I'd take a look. This is all a pretty good start, Ryan. There's definately a poet in there. Whose poetry are you reading? Above all else, it's important to read as much poetry as you can get your hands on, in every stage of your poetic development. If you can get ahold of it, I'd strongly suggest a copy of '20th Century Poetry and Poetics'; it's a great anthology, one of the first I really studied from cover to cover, and still my favourite. Try the poetry articles a plagiarist.com if you haven't already read them; they're all great, especially as a jumping-off point. One last thing - have you considered workshopping your poetry? A critical forum is great for improving your poetry - I know I'd be lost without them :) . My favourite is at everypoet.com. Keep writing! Jamie

Thank you for the comment on my poems. I've just started to submit my poems and it's very encouraging to recieve comments. I have read your poems and they are quite sad and lonely, but I still like them and I think you should write more. :)