 Poetry: October 15, 2025 Issue [#13401] |
This week: The Crow Is on Fire, and That's Good. Edited by: Jayne 🕸️ 🕷️  
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| Hi, I'm Jayne. I'll be your editor for today. |
How do you approach starting your poetry?
If you’re like me, you probably obsess over the first line of your poem.
Truthfully, if you’re like me, you’re probably obsessing over a lot of things. Try to focus on the things you can control.
Like the first image in that poem we’re talking about.
The First What?
You read that correctly, I didn’t say to focus on the first line of your poem. I said to focus on the first image.
Think of it this way: if the first line is the key, the first image is what’s behind the door. The first line invites the reader to come in, but the image is what they see when the door opens. It’s the thing that captivates them and makes them want to stay.
It doesn’t matter if they understand why right away. They simply know they cannot possibly leave until they find out more.
It’s the plums in the icebox I keep telling you about.
It's two roads diverging in a yellow wood.
It's tulips that can’t contain their excitement.
You don’t need to explain the image. You just need to offer it without apology. If you are clear and precise, your readers will never forgive you (in the best way possible).
Here’s how to strengthen your first poetic images:
 Let the image lead. Start with something tangible, not something abstract.
Be specific. Specific, not basic. So, we’re not starting with “a tree,” but “a lightning-struck birch with a crow alight.” Why is the crow on fire? That’s none of your business, yet.
Let it set the tone. Is the image heavy, playful, reverent, sharp? It should bother you that my crow is on fire.
Don’t over-explain. My crow is on fire. Deal with it.
If you’d like something markedly better than my crow example, consider Ada Limón’s “The Carrying” :
“The sky’s white with November’s teeth.”
You don’t need to know anything else. That image tells you the season, the tone, the mood. It does emotional work without needing to explain itself.
Maybe it’s just me, but I really want to know why November is biting this person.
How to Make it Work in Your Poetry
The next time you’re writing a poem, ask yourself if you’re trying to open with your thesis. Your idea for your poem isn’t what hooks the reader. If you’re trying to explain or justify something to the audience with your hook, take a step back.
Review what you’ve put on the page. Is the first line doing both the visual and emotional work? No? Scratch that, and find your first image.
Start there.
As always, happy writing.
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