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How to Write a Romantic Valentine's Poem

© Amy Cunningham, Editor

Writing poetry can be a liberating, exciting experience, but for those who have never ventured into that area of writing, it can be rather intimidating, especially when writing for that special someone and perhaps even more so on Valentine's Day.

You can write a romantic Valentine's poem, one that you can give to that special someone in your life. Poems from lovers often become treasured keepsakes, kept as reminders of passion and romance past.

When writing your own romantic Valentine's poem, keep these things in mind:

Forget what you know about poetry. Not all poems have to rhyme. Poems that do not rhyme are called "prose," but may also be referred to as "freestyle." Just write what you feel, allowing the emotions swirling within you to become lovely words that you place delicately on the paper. When you release yourself from the confines of traditional thinking and write what you feel, you will find great masterpieces emerging from your own hand. Here’s one that I call simply: "Love"

Love is the rhythm of life
The lush greenery of nature
The rich aromas of woods and grass
And the softness of your skin
As I caress your cheek.
Love is the light in your eyes
As you gaze down upon me
That faint smile playing across your lips
And the gentleness of your hand
As you hold me to you.

So many people, when trying to write a romantic Valentine's poem, make the mistake of forcing the words. Thesaurus in hand, they frantically leaf through the pages, searching for just the right word. When the poem is complete, there is very little of the author actually left. Then the poem becomes just words.

When writing, use YOUR words, the words you use somewhat regularly. Sure, you can throw in a pretty word or two, but try to keep it as close to what you would actually say, or at least how you would actually say it, as possible.

If you come to an impasse in your flow of words, don't just write to fill in the blanks. If you can't think of anything else and you only have four lines, well, then, you just created a four line poem. Don't force it, don't just throw in words to fill up the page.

If you were baking a cake and added all the ingredients you needed, you wouldn't just start adding random things because you felt that you had not put enough into it. This is a common mistake that many people make, particularly when writing romantic poetry. But, if you can accept this and abide by it, you will have embraced one of the greatest secrets of Valentine's poems and romantic poetry.

Don't be afraid to go back and read your work. Reading it aloud is even better. Then don't be afraid to edit, but don't be afraid to not edit as well. Many great poets write the passion that is on their hearts at the moment and never change a word. Sometimes, when you begin to edit and change things around, the passion dissolves from the words and the poem loses its meaning. If you do edit your work, edit with care.

When sitting down to write a romantic poem, many people lose the one element that really has the most impact – writing it in their own hand. Don't type your poem or have it printed; write it in your own handwriting when you give it to your sweetheart. This is so much more personal than a printed piece of paper.

Sign it as you would a letter: All my love, John. This shows that you took time and care in creating this work for your love. When they read it they will not only see the words, but also that special way you form your a's or the slant of the letters. Poetry is a very sensual experience and the more senses you feed, the more powerful the impact.

You don't really have to know how to write a romantic Valentine's poem like Lord Byron or Keats in order to woo your lover. All you have to do is write what is in your heart. Look inside yourself, see what is in there, what you feel, and then let the words flow. There are no rules except to allow your love to show in your words.