How to Write a Poem Honoring a Deceased Brother
- 1). Gather ideas from other poems. Death is one of the central themes throughout the history of poetry. Many people have found comfort in poets who are able to eloquently express the different levels of emotion and feelings involved in losing a loved one. Take some time to read what different poets have written. Recommended poems include Lee Steadman's "My Brother's Funeral" and Emily Dickinson's "The Last Night That She Lived."
- 2). Select a theme or themes for the poem by sketching out ideas and thoughts that best describe your brother's life and goals. Share memories of your brother with family members and intimate friends and ask for their memories and recollections as well. Look at old family photo albums with pictures from various stages of your brother's life. Think about the best words that summarize the way your brother lived his life. A theme for a poem is similar to a visual portrait or snapshot that represents its subject.
- 3). Consider the tone that best captures and expresses your brother's personality. For example, if he was lighthearted and easygoing, a lighthearted poem with a few humorous anecdotes would be an appropriate tribute. If he had a more serious and brooding nature, a more somber and more serious tone may be a more appropriate.
- 4). Choose a writing style and format. The poem doesn't necessarily have to have a rhyming pattern. Write the first draft putting your main ideas in the order that you think fits best. Take the time to find the right words. Good poetry emerges through the combination of concepts and ideas on the one hand and the sound of words on the other. Show the draft to family and friends who knew your brother well and ask for their criticism and advice. Ask them if they think the tone and theme accurately represent your brother.
- 5). Shape and polish the poem into its finished form. Let the poem sit for a day or two. Consider having a friend of family member read the finished poem and offer suggestions. Fine tune the poem. Take the time to think through each of the words and think about the ideas and thoughts that you want to share about your brother. Read it out loud and listen to how it sounds. Find a better word combination if some spots don't seem to flow. Finally, decide if you have said everything you wanted to say to honor your brother.
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