Grammar and spelling are used much differently in poetry than in other genres. Poets consciously manipulate grammar and words to enhance meaning. Although rules are more fluid, you need to know when you're breaking them. Just like an abstract painter first learns to draw with classic precision, you need to be well versed in grammar and spelling to know how to manipulate them for effect.

When you're writing poetry, shut off all auto-correct functions on your computer. Otherwise the computer will make annoying corrections that you don't want, like capitalizing the first letter of every line.

Do a spell check, though, and have a friend or teacher look your poem over for grammar and spelling as a last step.

Tools for Grammar and Spelling: