Read classic and contemporary poems to get a feel for how poets name their works. Check out the anthologies “Americans' Favorite Poems: The Favorite Poem Project Anthology,” “City Lights Pocket Poets Anthology,” “Poems for the Millennium” and “Committed To Memory: 100 Best Poems To Memorize” for titling ideas.
Keep it short. In general, a poem title should be snappy and to the point. If possible, keep your title from one to eight words in length.
Come up with a list of words that express your poem’s tone, emotions or content. For example, if your poem is about World War I, your list might include “armistice,” “kaiser,” “Lusitania,” “trench,” “U-boat,” “Zeppelin,” “rockets” or “blood.” Avoid using clichés or words that are vague or overused, including “good,” “bad,” “great,” “excellent,” “pretty” or “beautiful.”
Scan your poem for key words and phrases. There’s nothing wrong with taking a few words from your poem and using them in your title. In fact, some of the most well respected poets do just that. Make a list of words that stand out in your poem and draft a title from those words.
Make your title catchy and memorable. Often, people remember through touch, taste, smell, sight or sound, so try to engage at least one or two senses in your readers. Chilean poet Pablo Neruda fully explored the senses in his works, with titles such as “Carnal Apple, Woman Filled, Burning Moon,” “Drunk as Drunk on Turpentine” and “I Crave Your Mouth, Your Voice, Your Hair.” If your title doesn’t engage a sense, elicit an emotion or reaction, such as fear, anger, happiness, wonder, surprise or disdain.
Show your title to friends, teachers, colleagues, classmates and fellow poets for feedback and rework it if necessary.
Let your title and poem sit for a while and come back to it. Sometimes what disappoints a poet one day will wow her the next, or vice versa.