I am always challenge on how to end my poems on a strong note.  Do I repeat and loop back to my first line, or do I go altogether into a new direction? When do I cut the words, in just the right time, without losing the impact of my message with the reader?

Recently, I learned the value of punctuation, whether in the middle or end of the verse. “When it comes to poetry, punctuation works differently than most other forms of writing. A poet uses punctuation not so much for grammatical correctness but rather for effect. In a poem, the use of a comma or a period or even using neither can change the meaning completely.

When dealing with punctuation in a poem, the poet has to ask themselves what purpose the punctuation is serving. Does the poet want a full stop or do they want a short pause? A short pause or full stop at a critical moment can cause the poem to turn in a different direction than it would have without it.

Looking at our choices of punctuation, periods, question marks, and exclamation marks are placed under the category of full stops. Commas, semi colons, ellipses and dashes are placed under the category of short pauses. By making careful choices when it comes to the end of each line, we can find ways of creating a strong impact in our reader.”

What about you, how do you use punctuation in your poems? Do you read aloud your poems to hear its rhythm, cadence and pause ?

Every week at D’verse is a wonderful insight on how writers punctuate and end their lines. Some with a twist, some with a question, some with no answers, and some with an enticing invitation to come back for more.

Welcome everyone to OpenLinkNight !   This is Grace (aka Heaven) hosting for today’s sharing of our words.    Let’s get this going ~

If you are new here, let me tell you how it works:

• Write a poem and post it to your webpage.
• Click on the Mr. Linky button below and enter your name and direct url/web address to your poem
• There you will also find the list of those participating this week. You might want to refresh this occasionally or check back in as there are people joining over the next 33 hours.
• Read other poets that have linked. Let them know what you thought, how the poem moved you, what you think of their style, what caught your attention.    The not-so-secret formula to receiving more comments on your blog is to read and comment on the linked poems.  Please don’t forget to return the favor of those who have visited and commented on your work.
• Encourage others to participate through social media, promote your own piece and others.
• Have fun meeting and engaging your fellow poets.

Happy Tuesday to everyone ~  Grace

Article:   Poetic Devices, Punctuate the End