Just a few pointers

metaphors-a comparison between two things, based on resemblance or similarity, without using "like" or "as

using the word "like" in a poem is a no-no, unless using it as a Simile, although there are times when we feel it can't be help...Poets should be able to be descriptive with a vast imagination, therefore using metaphors...i,e. rain can be tears, doves can signify peace or love:

Titles-try to make them unique as possible, and remember the title doesn't always have to be in the poem itself, sometimes even the title itself can be metaphoric to the poem

short, powerful writes or short formed writes-should be without "and", "the" and definitely should never have more than one "I". Ex;

I, for the sake of genuine love
would gladly relinguish my heart

^there are two ways to write this...the above or move the "I" down...The first one seems more appealing and poetic, while the second one seems less imaginative.

for the sake of genuine love
I would gladly relinguish my heart

Simile- A comparison using "like" or "as" Robert Frost was one of the few poets who could get away with using metaphors and simile in the same line...Ex; The clouds were low and hairy in the skies, like locks blown forward in the gleam of eyes. taken from "Once by the Pacific"

Much has been said about the new style of writing, "abstract, free verse, etc....It can be very unique and takes away the standard of iambic and trochaic meter. Besides the old styles are classic for a reason, develop your own style of writing, use your imagination. It is okay to write like the greats and use their formats, but only as a challenge to yourself, be better than they were! Breaking new ground is hard, not only because there are no guidelines to follow, but also because there are far too many who refuse to let you forget shakespeare, browning, frost, etc: and "the world is flat"...However one day, their children may be using your work as an example.

Less is best...an unwritten rule and yet one that many aspire to, lengthy poems for the most part end up very boring, especially today, because it seems many writers can't stay focused all the way through...the beginning starts out terrific, the middle is awesome and the ending ends up bland...how many times have you seen it? Also shorten your lines to make a more powerful statement and flow, get rid of unnecessary fillers...Ex:

she visited his grave today placing a rose upon the stone
memories of his arms removed feelings of being alone

or this

placing a rose upon the stone
she no longer felt alone

^the vision of the reader can accept the fact that she had visited a grave from the insertion of "stone", also a spirit we can assume has over come her because she no longer feels alone, therefore we gather it to be a memory of someone who comforted her during life....it's a stretch, but that's what poetry is, imaginative writing......

Now I know that some or many of you could care less about any of this, and that's fine too, I'm just sharing, if it applies, use it, if not, no big deal....Have a great Holiday....Peace