7 Tips on Writing a Poem About Your Surroundings

If you are just starting out writing poetry, it might seem intimidating to write about really deep emotions right away. However, there is plenty of precedent to write about things that may seem more remote at first, like specific locations, observations about other people or animals, or nature and the weather, to name a few. Along with some examples from other poets, here are some tips to get you started writing about the setting you are in.

1. Look at where you are, and write down what you see, including nature, animals, and buildings. This doesn't have to be fancy -- just write down words or phrases as you think of them. These terms can be a good foundation for writing a poem, because you can choose a few words and expand on them and what they mean to you.
2. What is the weather like? The weather can affect our moods and our outlook, so it is a good idea to write down what the current weather makes you feel and think about.
3. Who is nearby? Look at and listen to the people around you. Imagine how the strangers you see and hear came to be here, or what their days have been like to far. How do you think you might interact with them? What would your conversations with them be like?
4. You don’t have to be outside to write about the setting you are in. If you are in your home, or at school, or traveling, those places can be full of inspiration. 
5. Use all of your senses. Poets can convey their experiences through sharing impressions gleaned through senses like taste, touch and smell, not just sight and sound. Experimenting with trying to describe these impressions can seem silly, but can also be very effective.
6. If you are having trouble finding something in your general area to write about, try writing about what you wish was around you instead!
7. Post the poem you have written to Power Poetry, and browse other poems on the site to get ideas for future poems.