Thursday, September 15, 2011

Ordinary Things: Poetry Exercises

Today as a class we will read Ralph Fletcher's book Ordinary Things. After reading, I would like you to review your journal for the field trip exercise we did last class.

Task: You will write 5 different drafts of poems. Some of you might end up writing more than that. That's okay. The more you write, the more choices and practice you will have.

Choose topics that you wrote on your list. It is important to separate reality with what you think or feel about the subject. Write a poem having to do with each subject you choose.

Some tips:
1. Remember to use poetic techniques that you already know about:
  • metaphor
  • simile
  • symbol
  • alliteration
  • assonance/consonance
  • onomatopoeia
  • personification
  • stanza
  • anaphora
2. Poetry is about word choice. Make your verbs active and your nouns specific.

3. Try to create a form or metrical rhythm to your poems

4. Say something significant. Poetry is at once personal, but speaks of the universal. Use models from favorite poets to help you if needed.

5. Hate poetry? Think about writing in prose, then cut your prose into lines. Try using enjambment or meter to avoid obvious cadences.

If you get stuck, try unsticking by completing some brainstorming techniques. Take a look at a few helpful websites dealing with brainstorming poetry.
Scholastic
Persistence Unlimited
The Writing Center
Don't have any objects to write about? Not about to go for a walk and look? Stop complaining. Try these:
  • Alarm Clock or clocks in general
  • Pond
  • Ducks
  • Leaves in Autumn
  • Pumpkins
  • Dining room chair
  • An empty wrapper
  • Snow
  • Licorice
HOMEWORK: Please post a response to our forum for Elaine Terranova's poetry. The post is due by Sunday, September 18 by 11:59. If you do not have access to a computer, write your response today or tomorrow in the creative writing lab.

Also, please write at least 5 DRAFTS of poems. If you have completed five by the end of class and want to write more, do so.

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About this course!

This course stresses understanding the characteristics & techniques in the literary genres of fiction, poetry, and dramatic writing. This course will continue to build on students’ reading and writing skills begun in previous creative writing classes. Readings and discussions of works by major writers in the field will be examined as inspiration and models of fine writing. This educational blog is designed for the use of the students at the School of the Arts in Rochester, NY.