3 things I consider when writing a poem

1. The limitation / constraint / formal requirement.

• the poem will be about X
• the poem will have so many lines
• the poem will mention the word 'queen'
• the poem will have pre-determined images
• etc

(any or none of these might be in play)

2. The sounds and the rhythm

3. The spontaneous alchemy that takes place during the writing of the poem. Language leads to other language. This only happens once you get started.

1, 2 and 3 overlap

Sometimes 1 keeps 3 in check. Sometimes 3 liberates 1. Sometimes 2 prevails. Sometimes 2 feeds 3.