Writers of poetry where do you find inspiration?

Question

I find mine in my children mostly, when I write poetry about them it is usually in a lyrical style. Like this one: And b4 u say it I know it needs work, it's on my to-do list lol, there are a few places that don't flow right, but I'll get there. It's just an example of what inspires me:

Your face is like an angel
Looking into my soul
Your smile is infectious,
Courageous and bold

You have eyes of innocence
Big and round and blue
Life is so much sweeter
Since I was blessed with you

You’re tough and energetic
Creative and bright
Patient, kind and caring
Filling my world with light

I love my dear sweetheart
Nothing compares to you
The warmth and love you give
Will always shine through

Answer 1

Find inspiration? No, no, no -- it finds ME. If I go out looking for it, I end up completely empty handed. When ever I have to force a poem out (like for school), it is not pretty. The best ones are the ones that just pour out.

I think your poem is really nice, and I think it's great that you are writing about happy and joyful things. I tend to be more inspired to write about more negative and depressing feelings -- I've just never been able to write a happy poem. Oh....and I think it's fantastic that you love your kids so much! (-=

Answer 2

I had a problem with inspiration, until someone gave me the following advice, and it worked.
He said to me:
find a place that is dark and quiet where you can get comfortable, close your eyes and make your mind go blank, try to not think of anything. There will be something there in your mind that will not go away, write about that subject.

It worked. When I feel creative and cannot think what to write, I do that, and it works. Other times I get inspiration from normal everyday things. I wrote this one to celebrate new years.

A New Year
For every year I have survived,
There's one event stands out.
The ringing in of every year,
Where people cry and shout.
We wonder where the old year goes,
And what will come anew.
We wonder if the one to come,
Is good or all askew.
Will we get rich or maybe poor?
Will we be nice and proud?
Our hopes and dreams are floating there,
As if upon a cloud.
Our thoughts go forth to things anew,
They dwell not in the past.
We hope that all will be just fine,
That happiness will last.
We pray for peace around the globe,
Wherever young ones fight.
And pray for leaders everywhere,
To finally see the light.
To hunger in our own back yard,
We wish to make an end.
The rift between those black and white,
We wish that we could mend.
We start out each and every year,
With plans that seem so grand.
But every year it seems to us,
We built upon the sand.
Our plans of which we work so hard,
Just never seem to work.
Although we feel we do our best,
Our duties we don't shirk.
It's just that what we need is help,
A multitude to start.
Then all our plans might be fulfilled,
The world might get a heart.
So to the world I say this thing,
Join with your fellow man.
Let's see this dream through to the end,
Let's all work hand in hand.
We have a year to start anew,
A year to try this thing.
The year is young so help me now,
This year so young to bring.
I wish you all, both young and old,
A portion of good cheer.
And hope you have a joyous time,
And a very happy year.

It's not the new year yet, but I wish happiness to you and your children.

Answer 3

I have no idea. Out of nowhere or somewhere, I usually think of a last line and then start to write the poem. Almost never do I begin with an over-all theme. I am particularly fond of using the O. Henry or surprise/shock in the last line or two. See Dogge's poems on Y/A.

Answer 4

Inspriation comes to me in little surprises.

Sometimes it is the sun peeking over the mountains in the middle of winter at about 11 am in Alaska.

Sometimes it is that lovely smile that my friend gives me when she knows that I know she's had one drink too many to drive home.

Sometimes it is after reading a poem, sometimes it is after seeing my nieces and they say or do just something spectacular.

Sometimes I just think too much and realize how grateful I am for everything I have.

Whereever you get inspiration, honor it by writing.

Answer 5

Epics like The Iiad, Beowulf, The Aeneid, they inspire me. Look at my latest question.