Why You Should Keep A Poetic Diary

Diaries are amazing. If you don't keep a diary, you should. They keep the mind fresh, help memorization, and help clear our minds by letting us rant about our problems. It is a gateway to a healthy lifestyle. Of course, diaries aren't magic pills to make you a healthier person, but they do allow you to become less stressful which in turn helps regulate blood pressure and heart beat and raise metabolism.

I, of course, don't suggest keeping only a diary but a poetic diary. What is a poetic diary you ask? It is like a diary but written as poetry. Every day, instead of writing a normal entry, try writing it in a poetic voice. Create meters, stanzas, rhythm, and all the other great qualities a poem may have.

Here's why I suggest keeping a poetic diary as opposed to a regular one:

Poems help the mind stay fresh by repetition and rhythm. Rhythm and repetition has been known to enhance memorization, keeping the mind a youthful age.
Writing poetry everyday helps you become a better poet. Doing something everyday always makes someone better at it. Practice makes perfect.
With poetry, you can express yourself in ways a regular entry can't. Poems are unique in that you can use metaphors and similes without a second thought--at least, without sounding too much like a retarded mule. You can easily add them into your poems and create a waterfall of expression. You can use the "six senses" of a poet: taste, sound, touch, smell, sight, and imagination.
Writing poetry will make you think deeper into the days events. Trying to think of a way to write out the entry is a deeper thought process than simply shouting out the days events like in a regular entry. Think deep.

Even if you don't consider yourself a poet, try it anyway. You don't have to be a good one in order to attempt writing a poem, especially since you will be the only one reading it. Who knows, maybe you will be proud of what you write.

Here is my suggestion. Over the next week, write your entries as poems. If you don't enjoy it, stop. If you do like it, keep going. Of course, you can do as you please--it is yours after all. Write one poem a week or one a month. However, give it a chance; it won't hurt. Be adventurous!

You may also which to check out Gary R. Hess's personal poetry or read about poetry elements which may be used in your diary.

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