Excellent This is how I approach the writing of poetry. Really! A Pilgrim Poet's Progress by Mary Furlong How do you write your poetry? contest entry

Along my pilgrim way to Poetry a random word or thought of butterfly proportions so commends itself that I explore its every possibility -- - its rhymes, alliterations, and allusions, its images (for instance, wings), the sense of something stirring.                                   As a consequence, false starts abound, but point to no conclusions, nor any middle. Just loose ends of things to fiddle with.                         Meanwhile, the butterfly, restored to randomness, moves on to try a more congenial clime                 (so much for wings). But carry on, brave pilgrim. When the curse is lifted, a rare poem may emerge, a masterpiece whose grace and wisdom verge on genius.                   Or it may be just a verse. Recognized Author Notes I truly never thought about this before. I surprised myself when I discovered how I obsess about rhyme (not half rhyme, not eye rhyme, but rhyme rhyme - the real McCoy) and meter, counting out the iambs on my fingers and trying very hard not to behead my lines. It takes forever, but I love, love, love it. My thanks to whoever thought of this contest.

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