meter

has anyone ever tried to adapt a peom to fit a meter? have you ever actualy done it well? how? I am so lost when trying. I cant even attempt for fear it will destroy my message and syntax...and advice?

Honestly I do know what it is, meter. And I have studied such poets as Shakespear, but to only be refered to him for gidance? Old Engilish better fits to mold of meter. or rather meater fits it depeding on how you look at it.

And I am sure that what you refer to as serious poets means thoughs with more practice? I am awhere that meter was to help, but it was to help the reader, not the writer. It was used to make a poem more song like. And in Emily Dickinsons case, actualy apply her poems into hymns. I know this. And do not need a lecture on the history of meter, I can manage that myself.

My senctece might have been contridictive in your opinion, however It is the question I wanted answered. A poem must first be somewhat formed to be able to pick it apart, and choose proper words for meter, correct? I wanted to know if anyone in this site has attempted it, and succeded? As it seems many modren poets lack the want for it anymore, and choose to use punctuation and ryhme to full fill the same purpose.

but thank you for your attempt at direction.