How to Write a Love Poem: Crafting Your Romantic Masterpiece

Putting your feelings into poetry is a classic move, but figuring out how to write a love poem that actually hits the mark? Yep, that’s pretty challenging. According to our recent survey, 53% of people struggle to put their romantic feelings into words. And let’s be honest, the art of writing love letters has pretty much vanished – most of you now opt for email or social media to share your affections.

But don’t worry! Whether you’re pouring your heart out in a Valentine’s Day card, writing a one-of-a-kind wedding reading, or just trying to capture those feels in a romantic poem to pair with your Valentine’s Day flowers, we’ve got your back.

Professional poet Julia Bird knows a thing or two about turning feelings into unforgettable words. With her expert tips, we’ll help you create a poem about love that’s not just authentic, but full of heart – and maybe even a little sparkle.

Let’s make magic with your words!

Julia Bird explains that while there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for the perfect love poem, there are a few key ingredients that the nation’s favourites tend to share:

• P = Pattern: All ten of the nation's favourite love poems are boldly metrical and have strong rhyming patterns. Rhythm is important to the love poet – it puts the reader in mind of heartbeats and dance steps.

• B = Brevity: Many of the poems on the lists are sonnets. Your flower card provides even less space than the 14 lines of a sonnet, so you'll want to make your point in a few words.

• C = Comparison: The desire to compare and describe love is a common thread throughout love poetry. So, what's your love like?

• O = Obstacle: Many of the nation's favourite love poems examine the difficulties inherent in a love affair. What obstacle will you overcome in order to impress your soulmate?

• X = Mystery Quality: Finally, multiply all these necessary ingredients of a love poem by the passion, creativity, and detail that only you can provide when you're contemplating your significant other.

With these elements in play, you’ll be crafting a love poem that hits your intended right in the feels.

To help you nail your poetic masterpiece, here are Julia Bird’s top five tips:

1. Read for Inspiration: Read a few of the best love poets for inspiration, and see what classic works you can adapt or imitate for your own romantic purposes.

2. Focus on Specific Details: If you're going to write a poem about your partner, don't try and encompass the whole sweep of your relationship – focus on the particular detail: the weather on the day you met, the charming asymmetry of her freckles, the way he cooks shepherd's pie.

3. Experiment with Rhyme: If you're using rhyme, look beyond the obvious full rhymes (love/dove, heart/apart, moon/June) that have been used many times before. Part rhymes (love/save, heart/hurt, moon/mine) are less predictable, therefore more intriguing.

4. Express Your Feelings: Perhaps you're sending your verse anonymously. In that case, concentrate on describing your own feelings – are you yearning or burning, sighing or lying?

5. Use Contemporary Language: Leave behind the language of the past... Let go of 'thee' and 'yonder' and instead find the poetry in the fads and fashions of today's dictionaries.

Now that we’ve nailed the basics and soaked up Julia Bird’s expert tips, let’s dive into how to actually write your love poem.

1. Reflect on Your Emotions: Begin by contemplating the depth and nature of your feelings. Are you celebrating new love, expressing enduring affection, or conveying longing? Understanding your emotions will guide the tone and content of your poem.

2. Choose a Structure: Decide on the form your poem will take. While traditional sonnets are popular for love poems, don't hesitate to explore free verse or other structures that best convey your message.

3. Incorporate Vivid Imagery: Use descriptive language to create vivid images that appeal to the senses. This technique helps to evoke emotions and paints a picture in the reader's mind.

4. Be Authentic: Authenticity is key. Write from the heart, and let your genuine feelings shine through. Avoid clichés and strive for originality in your expressions.

5. Revise and Refine: After drafting your poem, take the time to revise and refine it. Pay attention to rhythm, word choice, and overall flow to ensure your poem resonates as intended.

For a little inspo, here are some classic romantic poems that bring these tips to life:

"I love you more" she said to him
"No, I do!" he replied
"I love you to the moon" she said
"The moon and back!" he cried.

"I love you more than words can say
(or even poems)" she said
"I love you more than thoughts"
said he "unspoken in my head"

"I love you with each breath I take"
She quietly declared
"And I love you with all of me"
He said. "No atom spared."

Each turned to ask the other one
"How will we settle this?"
Then gently, both at once, they said:
"I'll prove it with a kiss."

ALEXANDRA LIMA DIEGUEZ

Gently, gently take with care,
it's all my heart you're holding there.
Careful, careful let it fall,
it will not bounce, it's not a ball.

It's not a toy for sport or play
to tire with at end of day,
it's not a thing I lightly give,
I need it too, if I'm to live.

So, just before I let it go,
it's only fair that you should know,
if dropped - apart from my distress,
I fear 'twould make an awful mess.

But if you're fond of precious things,
have bored with roundabouts and swings
I gladly give this heart to you
and pray I have no need of glue.

KIRSTEN MCLAUGHLIN

When your hair has gone, mine is grey,
And our clothes are out of style -
We'll start our moans with, "in my day",
Short walks might take a while.

However long the journey;
No matter what our view.
I will cherish every step,
As long I'm with you.

LOUISE SIMPSON

To ink my words?
Now where to begin,
To express what I feel,
That feeling within.

Your eyes, your smile
They melt my heart
I yearn for your hugs
When we're apart.

That time will come
When you hold me tight
Our life together
Like a star shining bright.

HAYLEY BERRY

Writing a love poem is about more than just rhyme and rhythm – it’s about capturing the unique connection you share with someone and expressing it in a way that feels authentic. Whether you're using Julia Bird's expert tips, leaning into vivid imagery, or weaving personal details into every line, your romantic poem is a reflection of your emotions.

Remember, the best poem about love doesn’t need to be perfect – it just needs to be heartfelt. Let your feelings guide your pen, and don’t shy away from being vulnerable. The thought and effort you’ve put into crafting a love poem will speak volumes, even more than the words themselves. So go ahead, put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard) and let your creativity flow. Whether it’s an ode to new love or a celebration of a long-standing partnership, your poem is sure to become a treasured keepsake.

Now that you know how to write a love poem, it’s time to create something unforgettable…