Begin a poem with a phrase that contains a contradiction, something like:
- Let me say it again: I never repeat myself.
- Deep down, you are really shallow.
- My brother is jealous of me because I am an only child.
- I don’t like any fish at all, but I like tuna and flounder.
Or, begin with an oxymoron, like:
- historical present
- seriously funny
- working vacation
- alone together
Once you have a contradictory statement or oxymoron that feels like a fruitful beginning for a poem, build on it by adding a narrative with plenty of concrete, sensory details.
In the process, be sure to move your narrative back and forth through time (past, present, future).
Conclude your poem with a declarative statement that states a fact, opinion, observation, or explanation using plain language.
Poem for Inspiration:
“What is Lost is Not Lost” by Peter Mladinic from Zingara Poetry Review, March 2021