A senses poem is a poem that describes something using the five senses. Often this poem type is used to write about a poem that cannot be directly experienced using each of the five senses such as a feeling of emotion; however, this does not have to be that case. A city, a season, an animal, an object, etc. can be written about using a senses poem. Each stanza of a senses poem will have at least two stanzas.
The ocean roars
Its salty scent tickling my nose
The sand beneath my toes, coarse and cool
The seagulls' cawing deafening my ears
The waves crashing, a rhythmic lullaby to my soul
The forest whispers
The earthy aroma of damp soil and pine needles
Soft leaves brushing against my skin
The crunch of twigs beneath my feet
All around, the whisper of nature's secrets
The city hums
The pungent smell of exhaust and concrete
The cacophony of honks and chatter
The neon lights blinding my eyes
Yet, the city's pulse thrums, alive and electric
The autumnal breeze sighs
The crisp air, with a tinge of wood smoke and spice
The rustling of leaves, crunching underfoot
The tang of apples, evoking memories of harvest
The yearning for warmth, amidst the fading daylight
A senses poem enriches the descriptive language of a poem by involving the reader's sensory experiences, immersing them in the imagery.
To write a senses poem, follow these steps:
1. Choose your subject: Decide on what you want to describe in your poem using the five senses. It could be a city, a season, an animal, an object, or anything else that you find interesting.
2. Brainstorm: Take a moment to brainstorm words and phrases associated with each of the five senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch) that can be related to your chosen subject. Think about specific details and sensory experiences that others can relate to.
3. Structure your poem: Typically, a senses poem is written in at least two stanzas, with each stanza dedicated to one of the senses. However, you can choose to have more stanzas depending on your creativity and the length of the poem.
4. Start with sight: Begin your first stanza by focusing on the visual aspects of your subject. Use descriptive language and vivid imagery to paint a picture in the reader's mind. Describe what the subject looks like, its colors, shapes, and any other visual details.
5. Move on to the other senses: In the following stanzas, explore the other four senses—hearing, smell, taste, and touch—by using sensory language and vivid descriptions. Try to evoke the emotions and sensations associated with experiencing your chosen subject through each sense.
6. Add emotions and details: As you describe each sense, consider incorporating emotions or other details that enhance the overall experience of the subject. This can help the reader connect on a deeper level and bring your poem to life.
7. Revise and edit: Once you have completed writing your poem, read it aloud to ensure it flows well and maintains a consistent rhythm. Revise any parts that may need refinement to improve clarity and strengthen the sensory imagery.
8. Share and appreciate: Share your senses poem with others, or keep it as a personal expression of your creativity. Remember to appreciate the unique experience and perspective that the senses poem brings to your chosen subject.
By following these steps, you can create a compelling senses poem that engages the reader's senses and allows them to experience your chosen subject in a new and vivid way.