A Question about Free Verse

[Alcimus]

I have been trying to learn quite a bit about writing in meter (and so far I have had some success at it, yay) but I'd like to learn some more about writing nice free verse. From what I have read, a general rule of thumb for free verse is to have the words flow. So my question really isn't about free verse as much as it is making words flow, so:
1. What exactly does it mean by making words flow?
2. How can you make the words of a poem flow better?
3. Are there any general rules on certain words or sounds in words or anything on that I could use?

I'd be much obliged if I could get some info on this. Thanks.
Alcimus

[Rachel Bunting]

Robert Pinsky's The Sounds of Poetry (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0374266956/103-1991452-4909462?v=glance) was incredibly helpful in this regard - it was also quite easy to read and understand.

[HowardM2]

Stephen Dobyns' 80-page essay "Notes on Free Verse" in his Best Words, Best Order: Essays on Poetry, 2nd. ed., is excellent, perhaps indispensable.

[garyg]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Alcimus


3. Are there any general rules on certain words or sounds in words or anything on that I could use?


A general rule of thumb:

Don't use the word *flow* in a critique.

[arthur_henry]

One exception: You may use the word "flow" to describe the rhythm in a menses-related poem.