Poetic Devices:word choice

The Open Poetry Unitopeneducation.ws

Word Choice

They key to good poetry is choosing effective words.

For example, think of all the ways to say describe something as small. Each has a slighly different meaning. – small, tiny, minute, diminutive, petite, little

When writing a poem about something small, it's important to spend time to choose the best possible word.

Word Choice - HaikuHaiku is a very short form of poetry. With only 17

syllables to work with, it's important to make every word count!

Why did the author choose the word ring and not clang? Why fragrant and not smelly?

By Basho

Temple bells ring out.

The fragrant blossoms remain.

A perfect evening!

Word Choice - Memory

What word are key to this image from Memory by Margret Walker?

I can remember hearing all they said:

their muttering protests, their whispered oaths,

and all that spells their living in distress.

What does the word 'oath' mean? Why not just say promise?