Here's a breakdown:
When to use quotation marks in poems:
* Direct Speech: Just like in regular writing, use quotation marks to indicate words spoken by a character.
* Example: "I'm lost," she whispered, "Can you help me find my way?"
* Titles of Works: If you are referring to the title of a poem, song, book, or other creative work within your poem, you can use quotation marks.
* Example: "The Raven" was a poem that haunted my dreams.
* Words Used in a Specific Way: If you are using a word in a way that is different from its usual meaning, you can use quotation marks to highlight that.
* Example: She felt a "pang" of guilt for leaving him behind.
When to avoid quotation marks in poems:
* Internal Monologue: If a character is thinking to themselves, you don't need to use quotation marks. Instead, you can use italics or simply put the thoughts in regular font.
* Example: *I should have stayed home*, she thought.
* Figurative Language: If you're using metaphors, similes, or other figurative language, you don't need to use quotation marks.
* Example: His heart was a stone, heavy and cold.
Important Note: Poetry is about breaking rules! There's no single "correct" way to use quotation marks. The best approach is to consider the specific needs of your poem and what works best for the effect you want to create.