Why I Include “Structure and Form” in Every Poem I Share
- Deborah Ann Martin
- Apr 12
- 5 min read
Why I Include “Structure and Form” in Every Poem I Share
When you read one of my poems on this site, you will always see a section called: Structure and Form
Some readers may skip past it.
Some may not understand it.
Some may wonder why it matters.
It matters because structure is not decoration.
Structure is design.
And design shapes meaning.
I am a pattern person.
I see life in systems.
I process emotion in structure.
I organize chaos into order.
So when I write poetry, I am not just writing feelings.
I am shaping them.
Sometimes that shape is loose.
Sometimes it is rigid.
Sometimes it is deliberate.
Sometimes it is rebellion.
But it is never accidental.
What Is Structure in Poetry?
Structure refers to the physical layout of the poem.
It includes:
• Line count
• Stanza breaks
• Refrains
• Line length
• Visual spacing
• Repetition placement
• Rhyme scheme
Structure answers the question:
How is this poem built?
Think of structure like architecture.
Two houses may hold similar furniture, but one may be open concept and the other divided into rooms.
The structure changes how you move through it.
The same is true in poetry.
What Is Form in Poetry?
Form refers to the specific pattern or blueprint the poem follows.
For example:
AABB CCDD rhyme pattern
Free verse
Villanelle
Sonnet
Pantoum
Form answers the question:
What rules or pattern is guiding this poem?
Form can be traditional.
Form can be invented.
Form can be hybrid.
Sometimes I choose a known form.
Sometimes I create my own pattern.
Sometimes I begin with chaos and revise until I find a pattern.
Sometimes I start with a pattern and intentionally disturb it.
That disturbance is not an accident.
It is emotional punctuation.
Why I Use Loose AABB CCDD So Often
One of my natural tendencies is to write in loose rhyme patterns like:
AABB
CCDD
EEFF
It feels balanced.
It feels orderly.
It gives me rhythm.
This structure is comforting.
Especially when I am writing about hard things.
When topics are heavy, grief, heartbreak, confusion, structure steadies me.
It is like holding onto a railing while walking down emotional stairs.
Order holds the emotion.
Why I Use Free Verse for Hard Stories
When I want to tell a story.
When I need vulnerability.
When the topic is complex.
I often choose free verse.
But free verse is not random writing.
It is intentional line breaking.
If a thought needs space, I break the line.
If a word needs emphasis, I isolate it.
If a feeling loops, I remove stanza breaks.
Free verse mirrors breath.
It mirrors thinking.
It mirrors unresolved emotion.
The structure reflects the mental state.
When I Create My Own Pattern
Sometimes I decide:
I want this poem to follow a random pattern.
So I draft it.
Then I rewrite it to fit that pattern.
That rewriting sharpens the emotion.
It forces me to choose stronger words.
It turns journaling into craftsmanship.
I have nearly 2000 poems that were just for me.
They lived in notebooks and in word documents
They held feelings.
They were private processing.
But when I decide to share one publicly, I shape it.
I refine its structure.
Because shared poetry deserves intention.
Poetry Rebellion and Breaking the Pattern
I also have another side.
Sometimes I get tired of order.
Tired of perfection.
Tired of grammar policing.
Tired of being expected to do everything “correctly.”
So I take a known pattern.
And I mess it up on purpose.
I break the rhyme.
I interrupt the rhythm.
I misspell a word intentionally.
I shift cadence suddenly.
That is not a mistake.
That is rebellion.
It is a reminder that poetry is alive.
That perfection is not required.
That sometimes chaos is honest.
That sometimes breaking structure is the structure.
Poetry is order.
Poetry is disorder.
Poetry is creativity.
Poetry is painting pictures with words.
But above all else, poetry should cause someone to reflect.
To feel.
To recognize themselves.
Why I Tell You the Structure
I include the Structure and Form section in every poem blog because I want readers to see the design.
When you know:
• It is 32 lines
• It alternates refrain
• It removes stanza breaks
• It follows AABB CCDD
• It rotates six end words
You begin to see poetry differently.
You move from:
“I like this.”
To:
“I see how this works.”
And when you see how it works, you can try it.
Structure Creates Reflection
Structure shapes emotion.
Repetition can feel obsessive.
Short lines can feel urgent.
Long lines can feel reflective.
Broken rhythm can feel unsettled.
Tight rhyme can feel resolved.
Every structural decision carries emotional weight.
That is why it matters.
Structure Helps Readers Feel Less Alone
One of the most powerful things about poetry is recognition.
You read something and think:
I have felt that.
I have seen that.
I am not alone.
Structure helps deliver that recognition clearly.
It organizes the emotion so the reader can enter it.
Whether I use pattern.
Or chaos.
Or rebellion.
My hope is the same.
That someone reflects.
That someone feels.
That someone knows they are not the only one.
Your Invitation
The next time you read one of my poems and see: Structure and Form
Pause.
Notice it.
Ask:
Why did she choose that pattern?
What does it mirror?
What feeling does it hold?
And if you are writing your own poetry, try this:
Choose a simple rhyme pattern.
Or choose free verse.
Or choose rebellion.
But choose it intentionally.
Structure is not a cage.
It is a container.
And containers hold meaning.
Continue Exploring
In this Poetry Style Behind the Words series, you can also explore:
• What a Poetry Style Name Really Means
• Understanding Tone in Poetry
• A Complete Guide to Poetic Devices
• How Theme Shapes Meaning
• Why Reading Level Matters in Poetry
Each section deepens your understanding of how poetry works.
Continue Your Poetry Journey
Explore the Poetry Corner Catalog and discover poems from the Life Moments Series.
Visit my Amazon Author Page to explore the full collection:
Poetry is structure.
Poetry is chaos.
Poetry is reflection.
And most of all,
Poetry is connection.
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
If reading or writing about pain feels overwhelming, that’s okay. Healing isn’t meant to be rushed, or done alone. Our Surviving Life Lessons community groups are gentle spaces where your voice is respected and your pace is honored. Join when you’re ready; we’ll be here.
Reference
Poetry.org. "Terms in Poetry". https://poetry.org/termsin.htm
About the Author:
Deborah Ann Martin is the founder of Surviving Life Lessons, a published author, poet, speaker, and trainer with over 20 years of management experience across multiple industries. An MBA graduate, U.S. veteran, single mother, and rare cancer survivor, Deborah brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her writing on resilience, leadership, personal growth, and overcoming adversity. Her mission is to empower others with practical wisdom and real-life insight to navigate life’s challenges with strength and purpose.
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