Writing a poem is a process, and certainly isn't nearly as easy as most people think. A lot of time and effort go into a few short lines.

1. The inspiration hits.

Of course, I'll remember such genius writing. I can sleep and wake up tomorrow remembering it perfectly.

2. You pretend you'll remember it later.

You can totally go to sleep and wake up tomorrow refreshed and remember exactly your idea tomorrow morning.

3. You forget.

4. When you remember again, you write it down.

You've learned your lesson... until next time.

5. But it's not over yet.

It never is. All you have right now is the first sketchings of the poem. Now the not-so-fun part happens.

6. Develop and expand.

Fill it out, insert a gazillion metaphors, rhyme schemes, imagery, and so on...

7. Edit.

8. Take a break.

Always remember to take a breather to come back to your poem with fresh eyes.

9. Edit again.

10. Repeat steps seven through nine by infinity.

11. Polish it up.

It's starting to look like something that is shared on Facebook or reblogged on Tumblr a lot!

12. The final product!

Love it or hate it, it's done. It's done!!

13. Now what?

Now that it's done, be sure not to let your poem slip into the depths of your hard drive and never see the light of day again. Ask a professor for feedback, submit to literary magazines, competitions and scholarships, and keep writing!