How to Write a Prose Poem: Dancing with the Chaos of Unspoken Words

How to Write a Prose Poem: Dancing with the Chaos of Unspoken Words

Writing a prose poem is like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands—elusive, intangible, and yet deeply satisfying when you manage to grasp even a fleeting wisp of it. It is a form that defies rigid definitions, blending the narrative freedom of prose with the lyrical intensity of poetry. To write a prose poem is to embrace the tension between structure and spontaneity, to dance on the edge of meaning without falling into the abyss of incoherence. Here, we explore the art of crafting a prose poem, offering insights, techniques, and a touch of madness to guide you through the process.

1. Understand the Form (or Lack Thereof)

A prose poem is a paradox—a poem that refuses to look like a poem. It lacks line breaks, stanzas, and the visual structure of traditional poetry. Instead, it relies on the rhythm of prose, the flow of sentences, and the density of imagery to create its poetic effect. To write a prose poem, you must first unlearn the rules of traditional poetry and embrace the freedom of prose. Think of it as a hybrid creature, born from the marriage of two distinct literary forms.

2. Focus on Imagery and Sensory Details

Prose poems thrive on vivid imagery and sensory details. Since they lack the visual cues of line breaks, the language must work harder to evoke emotions and paint pictures in the reader’s mind. Use metaphors, similes, and descriptive language to create a world that feels tangible, even if it exists only in the realm of the imagination. For example, instead of saying “the sky was blue,” you might write, “the sky stretched like a bruise, its cerulean depths aching with the weight of unspoken stories.”

3. Play with Rhythm and Sound

While prose poems don’t follow the strict meter of traditional poetry, they still rely on rhythm and sound to create a musical quality. Pay attention to the cadence of your sentences, the way words flow into one another, and the subtle echoes of alliteration and assonance. Read your prose poem aloud to hear its music. Does it sing? Does it whisper? Does it roar? Let the sound guide you.

4. Embrace Ambiguity and Open-Endedness

Prose poems often thrive on ambiguity. They don’t always provide clear answers or resolutions. Instead, they invite the reader to linger in the space between meaning and mystery. Don’t be afraid to leave questions unanswered, to let your poem hover in the realm of the unknown. This openness allows the reader to bring their own interpretations and emotions to the piece, making it a collaborative act of creation.

5. Experiment with Narrative and Fragmentation

Prose poems can tell stories, but they don’t have to follow a linear narrative. You can experiment with fragmented narratives, shifting perspectives, and disjointed timelines. Think of your prose poem as a mosaic, where each piece contributes to the whole without needing to fit neatly into a traditional plot structure. This fragmentation can create a sense of disorientation, drawing the reader deeper into the poem’s world.

6. Use Repetition and Variation

Repetition is a powerful tool in prose poetry. It can create a sense of rhythm, emphasize key themes, and build emotional intensity. However, repetition doesn’t have to be exact. You can vary the phrasing, the context, or the tone each time you revisit a particular idea or image. This variation keeps the repetition from becoming monotonous and adds layers of meaning to your poem.

7. Incorporate Surrealism and the Unexpected

Prose poems often have a surreal quality, blending the ordinary with the extraordinary in unexpected ways. Don’t be afraid to introduce elements of the bizarre, the fantastical, or the dreamlike. A prose poem might begin with a mundane scene—a woman washing dishes—and suddenly shift into a meditation on the nature of time, or a conversation with the moon. The unexpected twist is what makes a prose poem memorable.

8. Edit with Precision

Because prose poems are often dense and layered, every word must earn its place. Edit ruthlessly, cutting away anything that doesn’t contribute to the poem’s overall effect. At the same time, be careful not to over-edit. Prose poems thrive on a certain rawness, a sense of spontaneity that can be lost if you polish the piece too much. Find the balance between precision and wildness.

9. Read and Study Prose Poems

To write prose poems, you must read prose poems. Study the works of masters like Charles Baudelaire, Gertrude Stein, and Russell Edson. Pay attention to how they use language, structure, and imagery. Notice the ways they blur the boundaries between prose and poetry. Let their work inspire you, but don’t try to imitate it. Your prose poem should be uniquely yours.

10. Trust Your Instincts

Ultimately, writing a prose poem is an act of trust—trust in your instincts, your voice, and your vision. There are no hard-and-fast rules, no formulas to follow. The best prose poems come from a place of authenticity, where the writer allows themselves to be vulnerable, to take risks, to explore the unknown. So, trust yourself. Let the words flow. And remember: the chaos is part of the beauty.


Q: Can a prose poem have a title?
A: Absolutely! A title can provide context, set the tone, or add an extra layer of meaning to your prose poem. It can be straightforward or enigmatic, depending on the effect you want to achieve.

Q: How long should a prose poem be?
A: There’s no set length for a prose poem. It can be a single paragraph or several pages long. The key is to ensure that every word contributes to the poem’s overall impact.

Q: Can I use dialogue in a prose poem?
A: Yes, dialogue can be a powerful tool in prose poetry. It can add a sense of immediacy, create tension, or reveal character. Just make sure it serves the poem’s larger purpose.

Q: Is it okay to break grammar rules in a prose poem?
A: While prose poems don’t follow the same rules as traditional poetry, they still rely on the conventions of prose. That said, you can certainly bend or break grammar rules for effect, as long as it enhances the poem’s meaning or mood.

Q: How do I know if my prose poem is successful?
A: A successful prose poem resonates with the reader, evoking emotions, sparking thoughts, or creating a vivid sensory experience. If your poem achieves this, even in a small way, it’s a success.