Favourite poetry devices for writing

So, if I had to choose which devices I almost intuitively reach for in my writing, it would have to be metaphor, allusion, and possibly assonance/alliteration.

Metaphor is always a favourite because it creates a concrete and often unusual point of comparison. It can challenge a reader's usual way of thinking. Sometimes an extended metaphor is even more effective because the comparison can grow and develop, weaving in a whole variety of comparative images. One of my favourite poems that does this so successfully is Carol Ann Duffy's Valentine, where an onion becomes the far better choice to signify love than the traditional rose.

Another great tool is allusion or intertextuality. Of course, as a poet you must be mindful of the context and not make this so obscure as to lose the reader, but a powerful poem with the occasional intertextual reference or allusion can create a wonderful enigma for readers who enjoy puzzles and a type of academic rigour. A point of warning, however: the allusion or reference must never dominate the poem. The poem should stand on its own for readers, with its own point and resolution whether or not a reader ‘gets’ the allusion.

Finally, for me, is assonance and/or alliteration. This can create a wonderful internal rhythm, making a free-verse poem more than conversational. When combined with repetition and/or alliteration, it can add an almost lyrical or broken-lyrical element to a poem. For example, in Maya Angelou's Still I Rise,“You may trod me in the very dirt”combines with single-syllable words to add rhythm and force that is far less obvious than rhyme, and more subtle.

When people don’t know what advice to give, they often say “experiment,” but experimentation still works best within some conventions. It’s a bit like cooking a roast: you can change the seasoning, swap ingredients, or introduce new flavours, but the fundamental processes of cooking remain the same. In other words, creativity thrives when it plays with form rather than ignores it entirely.

So play, experiment, use different pots, try a new sauce or some foreign herbs; but please, please make sure the meat is cooked!