Is writing poetry alive and well beyond the ivory walls of academia? Yes, and it always has been.. Poetry has never lost its original purpose-as a means of expression for anyone and everyone. With The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Writing Poetry, aspiring poets-those who write for their own pleasure and those who dream of publication-will have the world of poetry opened wide for them. They'll learn the poetic process, how to "paint with words" using imagery, metaphors, repetition, rhyme, tenor, tone, and voice and how to deal with writer's block. Lessons on writing love poems, chants, sonnets, epics, political satire, limericks and more are also included. Poetry groups, conferences, competitions, colonies and workshops are also covered.