The Bad Poetry Seminar

There is a Bad Poetry Explosion,
and you can be part of it!

Thus begins The Bad Poetry Seminar by Sparrow, which teaches the undeniable truth about today's Poetry Renaissance: Poetry is on the upswing and much of what is being written is bad -- really bad. Now, there are those who will tell you that bad poetry is actually good, and although I wouldn't go quite that far, bad poetry does have its place. The fact is, at slams and open mikes across the country, actually at just about any poetry reading you go to, you're bound to hear some doozies and you'll have to admit, bad poetry makes the good stuff really shine.

So, without further ado, sharpen your wits and pencils and get ready for the Bad Poetry Seminar. With a click of the mouse you'll:

(a) discover how rapidly the percentage of bad poetry is rising,
(b) explore the history of bad poetry,
(c) learn how to differentiate a good bad poem, a mediocre bad poem and a bad bad poem, &
(d) join in chanting the Bad Poetry Anthem.

Once you feel like you've got a handle on things, try your hand at writing a few stinkers yourself. There are a host of resources out there just waiting to critique your work and even some set-up to help you whip up a masterpiece on the fly. Who knows, once you've finished your course of study, you may even be ready to start up your own seminar.

Resources
Is your poetry bad? Don't fret, simply point your browser this way for a few pointers:

Very Bad Poetry: A truly unique anthology of 131 poems so glaringly awful that they embody a kind of genius, from Fred Emerson Brook's appalling “The Stuttering Lover” to William Wordsworth's atrocious “The Thorn.” Compare yourself to the masters of bad poetry.

Chatfield Software Poetry Power: Poetry software, publishing advice, contests and awards, and a multimedia poetry page.

Ask Dr. Poetry and he'll be more than happy to help you unlock the mysteries of the poetic universe.

Alien Flower: where poetry-lovers practice poetry.

International Haiku for beginners: Do you believe that less is more? Get a few tips on old world short form.


Feeling in need of some inspiration? Let the Web help you create the perfect poem:

20 consonant poetry: Face the challenge of using all 20 consonants and push your poetry envelope.

Electro Magnetic Poetry: “A click and drag diversion” inspired by the Magnetic Poetry Kit. . . refrigerator-magnet poetry comes to the Web, bringing you hours of doodling fun. If you're not Java-capable, try the CGI version.


Think you're incapable of writing a bad poem? Well then, test your poetic prowess in one of these poetry contests:

The Academy of American Poets awards a host of prizes each year.

The International Library of Poetry has published anthologies including the work of more than 100,000 (!) poets, awarding prizes totalling more than $150,000. Beware -- they may want you to purchase the book containing your poem for a steep price!

Consult Our own collection of online poetry contests to find a current one open for your entry.


home introduction to bad poetry a brief history

case in point practice makes perfect

Previous Features