Moss Vale's Post Cafe will regularly host a poet from February after a Wingecarribee word-smith was recently granted a residency by Australian Poetry, the nation's official body representing poets.

Christopher Swan will take a place in the caf? on Sundays, from February 12, writing, reciting and talking poetry with those interested in the art form.

"It's particularly good for a community like this where there is a lot of artistic interest," he said.

"Poetry is enhanced by having a presence in the community."

The semi-retired medical director said he was particularly interested in reading poems submitted by caf? patrons and talking about poetic techniques and construction ideas.

People would be able to speak directly with him or get some feedback via email if they preferred.

"It's a good setting for people to get exposure."

He said it was important to dispel some common myths of what made a poem.

"People think that if it doesn't rhyme then it's not a poem, which is a load of twaddle."

Mr Swan said modern poets mostly wrote in free verse, where intentional rhyming structure was not a technique used.

He said a poem should say something in a unique and colourful way.

"It's not simply a picture of the river out there but it says something about the value of the river."

Australian Poetry allocates residencies to about 30 poets each year, with many granted positions in Sydney and Melbourne.

Mr Swan said he began writing for pleasure almost 20 years ago as an outlet for the stress of life practicing medicine.

The Moss Vale man's interest took a more serious turn about 10 years ago when he studied poetry at university.

"A lot of people in either stressful or unpleasant professions find a creative outlet outside of it.

"I didn't have time to play golf like other people did so I read poetry.

"It was essentially my salvation from the horrors of medicine."

Mr Swan said his style was observational, which sometimes included imaginative observations.

He said some of his work had a "medical colour" however he tried to avoid it where possible.

"I tend to write about people and relationships with the world around them."

Mr Swan said he was keen to share his passion with people in the region.