Games

[galaxitchi]

So, I’m trying to learn meter. It’s confusing, but I had the idea to listen to a song and try to write with it..I’m not really sure if that’s like..ethical or what..sooo

Hi galaxitchi-
First off- anything in poetry is ethical.
Now, as for meter- listening to music is a great idea to obtain a sense of rhythm.  You must read your poem aloud to get a sense of the rhythm, and hear if it fits your intention. Your voice, and your rhythm are more important than any strict meter.

Basic meters:
iambs -/ -/ -/  I saw a flower bloom  each iamb -/ is called a foot
trochees /-/-/-  tiger! tiger! tiger!
dactyls /-- /-- /--  one of those sinister animals 
anapests --/ --/ --/  twas the night before Christmas and all through the house
spondees  //  blood shot 

I highly recommend a book called Writing Poems by Bob Wallace and Michelle Boisseau.  It is the one that I've used for a couple decades.

I've scanned your poem and bolded the accents:

nail your flyers for bloodshot buyers  accents in a row are called spondees
blue ribbon bait for all latent liars
timeless stakes kill the ego games
clear stadiums of sin and shame  I really like this line

play the truth again, it’s printed in my skin  and this one, too
drawn by the architect, living in my flesh  not rhyming here was smart
my simple wish for you, that you’ll win it too
a treasure so complete, it competes for you.

Rhyming is fine but don't let it control your poem, and what you want to express. This one has some interesting lines.

Hopefully others will add more comments, as well.
Mark

ps. don't be afraid to post in a crtique forum: varying degrees of 'heat' from BASIC to MILD to INTENSIVE. There all many good guidelines and tips at the front of the site.

That’s such a helpful reply, thank you! Especially seeing the accents in my poem, I don’t think I could have picked them out, although seeing them bolded, now I see it!