How to Title a Poem

Writing a poem is no small feat; the mastery lies in crafting language to evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, and create vivid imagery. Yet, among the myriad of writing challenges, titling a poem stands out as particularly intricate. A title is more than just a label; it serves as an invitation into the world of the poem, a beacon illuminating themes, a mnemonic that lingers in the reader’s mind. This blog post explores the art of titling poetry. We’ll delve into why it’s such a daunting task, the impact a great title can have, and share strategies for creating compelling titles. Whether your inspiration leads you to complex or simple titles, understanding their power will refine your poetic craft and enhance how your work resonates with readers.

Why Is Coming Up With a Poem’s Title So Difficult?

The challenge of titling a poem often lies in its paradoxical nature: a single phrase must encapsulate the essence of the entire work while remaining invitingly elusive. Many poets grapple with the notion that titles set the entire tone for the reader’s experience. An effective title should suggest something about the poem’s subject and theme without revealing too much. Otherwise, it risks diffusing the poetic tension that lies ahead.

Unlike other forms of writing, poetry hinges on brevity and economy of language, infusing meaning into every word. This constraint amplifies the pressure of crafting a title. It is the poet’s opportunity to strategically place a lens before the reader, subtly guiding their interpretation while maintaining an air of mystery. This delicate balance is often what makes titling a poet’s quandary.

What Does a Great Title for a Poem Accomplish?

#1 A Great Title Leads Us Into the Poem

One primary function of a poem’s title is to serve as an entrance point to the verse that follows. A well-chosen title provides the reader with a key to unlock the first layers of meaning, guiding them gently into the poem’s world. This act of leading complements the themes and emotions the poet wishes to explore, setting a subtle expectation for what is to unfold.

Take, for example, Robert Frost’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”. The title instantly places us at a moment of pause and contemplation, preparing us for the profound simplicity of the journey within the stanzas. A great title serves like a prelude, framing the initial emotional resonance and thematic concerns before a single line is read.

#2 A Great Poem Title Provides Orientation

In poetry, the title can act as a compass, orienting the reader amidst the rich tapestry of imagery and symbolism. By offering contextual cues, a title helps navigate the complex emotional or narrative landscape the poem presents. It can indeed set the scene, hint at the perspective, or note the emotional tenor.

Emily Dickinson’s succinct, yet tellingly titled “Because I Could Not Stop for Death” serves precisely such a purpose. It orients the reader immediately to the themes of mortality and time. Through orientation, the reader is equipped not only to follow the narrative but also to delve deeper into its intended metaphors and implications.

#3 Great Poem Titles Make Us Think Twice About a Poem

A memorable poem title nudges the reader to reflect upon their understanding and interpretation, often before and after engaging with the text. The resonance of a title that lingers or challenges conventional perceptions ensures that the poem imbues a lasting impact. It encourages a re-examination that enriches the poetry reading experience.

Consider Sylvia Plath’s “The Bell Jar”. Though an established metaphor, encountering this title with no prior context pricks curiosity, while subsequent reflection reveals layers of confinement and mental struggle encapsulated within the poem. Stimulating this kind of reflection is pivotal to an evocative poetry title.

#4 A Great Poem Title Makes the Reader Curious

Intrigue is an invaluable tool in a poet’s arsenal. The title should evoke curiosity, compelling the reader to delve deeper into the poem, eager to satisfy the questions that the title raises. Curiosity, once piqued, creates an inviting entry into the raw beauty and complexity of the poem.

Langston Hughes’s “Dream Deferred” masters this with its simplicity and inherent questions it demands the reader to ask—what happens to a dream deferred? The ensuing curiosity lays the foundation for a deeper engagement with the text, enhancing the holistic reading experience.

What About Great Poems That Have Simple Poem Titles?

Contrary to some beliefs, simplicity in titling can also render powerful results. Simple titles can be more direct, offering a concise distillation of the poem’s core. When a simple title aligns perfectly with the poetic content, it can achieve elegance and effortlessness, allowing the poem’s substance to stand unadorned.

William Carlos Williams’ “The Red Wheelbarrow” exemplifies how simplicity can distill complexity. The straightforwardness of the title invites the reader to focus on the depth of imagery and meaning within the concise yet profound text. Simple titles can create a stark contrast that elevates the subsequent reading experience.

My Process for Writing Poem Titles

Every poet might have their unique approach to titling, but there are guiding principles that can streamline the process. A starting point is distilling the core emotion or theme of the poem, allowing the title to evoke this essence without reducing the poem to mere summary. It’s essential to ensure the title complements the poem’s stylistic and methodological choices.

Another approach in the creative process is allowing the poem to guide the title, rather than vice versa. Writing the poem with freedom, then reflecting upon the overarching thematic presence can inspire a title that encapsulates the overall experience. A title then becomes both a companion to and an extension of the poem.

How to Write a Poem Title

Crafting a poem title requires mindfulness and a touch of intuition. Begin with brainstorming, listing potential themes, key phrases, or evocative imagery from the poem. Engaging with these elements can spark unique title ideas that encapsulate the work’s heart. Adopting a reflective approach, where you step back to view the poem objectively, can offer fresh insights into potential titles.

Experiment with different perspectives and forms. Perhaps incorporate striking words from the poem, or construct a metaphor that echoes its core sentiment. Consider acronyms, idioms, or cultural references that align with your poem’s intent. Above all, remain open to revision—titles are mutable and should evolve until they resonate completely.

Final Thoughts

Aspect	Description
Challenges	Encapsulating the poem’s essence while maintaining intrigue and balance.
Accomplishments	Guiding readers, orienting the narrative, provoking thought, and inciting curiosity.
Simplicity vs Complexity	Both approaches can be effective—simplicity offers directness, while complexity adds depth.
Personal Process	Focus on essence, let the poem guide the title, and allow for iterative refinement.
Techniques	Brainstorm, reflect, play with perspectives, use metaphor, and be open to change.