Focusing on the foundations of poetry, this reference teaches aspiring poets the mechanics of writing verse. Offering advice on the abstract poetic notions--what makes good poetry, the meaning and inspirations of poetry--and the concrete--how to start a poem, how to craft its shape, and how to use the various poetic forms--this concise and insightful book provides inspiring and practical instruction. Including the author's own poems for guidance, this revised edition also discusses the direction of post-millennium, contemporary poetry.