Need a few good reasons to write a poem? Putting words on paper can help you make sense of the world around you, express your deepest emotions, and give you a healthy way to cope with whatever is on your mind. As a bonus, you’ll feel pretty accomplished once you’re done!

How to:

1. Brainstorm your starting point.

2. Free-write in prose.

3. Choose your poem's form and style.

4. Read for inspiration.

5. Start writing for an audience of one — YOU.

6. Read your poem out loud.

7. Take a break to refresh your mind.

8. Revise your poem.

9. Post your poem in your journal