Doncaster Railway 200 Poetry: Competition Poetry Tips
Top Tips
Follow the rules and adhere to the guidelines to avoid disqualification:
Do not exceed the maximum word count of 200 words, consider the theme, remember to include, name, age category, title and contact with your poem entry. Don’t miss the submission deadline date.
Title:
The title sets the tone of your poem. A strong title can intrigue the reader. Think of a good title for your poem.
Be Original
Originality often comes from honesty. The more personal and specific your poem, the more it is likely to resonate universally.
Imagery
Aim to surprise the reader with a fresh perspective. Paint pictures in the reader’s mind with creative and colourful language .
Experiment with techniques
Alliteration – words that begin with the same letter e.g. busy bees buzz bombastically
Assonance – Words with different letters but with similar vowel sounds e.g. The cat sat on the bat’s hat
Repetition – Repetition of words or phrases can be sometimes be used as an effective tool for emphases.
Metaphor – describes a word as something else e.g. Apple of my eye
Simile – compares two things using the word ‘like’ or ‘as’ e.g. Cunning like a fox. Cold as ice.
Sound and Rhythm
Consider the size and syllables of words to develop rhythm and enhance musicality.
Use line breaks, pauses and white space to control pacing.
Choose an poetry style that enhances the message
There are many different types of poetry style. You can write your poem in any style you chose. Here are some examples of poetry styles.
Ballad – Rhyming quatrains with a musical rhythm (ABCB or ABAB)
Villanelle – 19 lines (ABA ABA ABA ABA ABA ABA ABAA
Narrative Poetry – Tells a story in rhyme with characters, plot, and setting.
Prose Poetry – Written in prose (not rhyming) but with poetic qualities
Shakespearean Sonnet – 14 lines written in iambic pentameter (ABAB CDCD EFEF GG)
Free Verse – No strict rules for rhyme or meter.
Limerick – A humorous, playful 5-line poem with a distinct rhyming pattern(AABBA).
Acrostic – The first letter of each line spells out a word.
H____________________
O____________________
P_______________________
E________________________
Don’t be afraid to break the rules
Poetry thrives on creative freedom.
Relevance to the Theme
Be Inspired. There are so many aspects of railway that you could choose to write about.
Whatever your angle, explore it deeply, with wit or heartfelt emotion but most of all honesty.
Read Aloud
Reading your poem aloud is a good way to check how well it flows.
Edit
Refine your work for clarity and tone by cutting unnecessary words or by sharpening your imagery. Every word should earn its place.
Feedback
Ask for feedback from trusted readers. A Fresh pair of eyes can help you see how it is working. Constructive criticism – helps you grow.
Do you need a prompt to get started? Here are a few…
Likes & Dislikes
Memory & Nostalgia
Journey & Discovery
Romance & Connection
Time & History
Visual or Sound Description
Brief encounter.
Dreams & Aspirations