From prose to verse

Changing a story I've already written from prose to verse is a fantastic exercise in essential word usage. Time and time again, as I pause at each paragraph, I consider word usage: what words do I really need to convey what I want the reader to "see"? And this exercise is not done just once, but many times, until I've discovered the right meter, flow, sound - the right words that do justice to what I'm trying to say. I find that doing this has made me a better prose writer as well. I believe that really good prose should flow the same as well thought out poetry. And I find that I am asking myself, "What word can you substitute for that ordinary word you just used - one that will say what you want to say much more precisely?" It keeps the brain working. Just what I need at my age. Try it yourself. Change a story you've written in prose to verse. It doesn't have to rhyme. In fact, it's better if it doesn't. Read poet Mary Oliver for inspiration.