The right words

Poetry and Prose: Choosing the Right Words
© 1997 by Dorothy E. Robbins

A good vocabulary, gained through reading good poetry and prose, enhances poetic expression

This is a poetry column. Why would one discussing how to write good poetry encourage the readers to read good prose? Of course, we know that prose and poetry are closely related and parts of the language of every nation; both are means of communicating ideas and, obviously, one uses the same words for both. The conclusion is, therefore, that a well-read person has a larger vocabulary than one who reads little. This is not just a great asset, it is essential if one wants to write either prose or poetry and write it well. We want to see today how reading good prose helps one write good poetry – as well as discover through this how these two differ – as they very definitely do.

Perhaps you would say that the word “weep” has a softer, more sympathetic sound. You might also realize that the alliteration between “weep” and “when” is pleasing to the ear and heart. Now, listen to the remainder of the poem and think how different it would have sounded if the word “cry” had been used. Note, also, other uses of alliteration that help to emphasize the ideas and lead one to the conclusion and climax at the end of the verse.