Poetry: Some Given Forms

Please take out your chapters on The Line from the Mary Oliver packet. During the first half of class please read the rest of this article about syllabic forms and free verse. Complete the worksheet/notes for this chapter. Hand in by end of first 1/2 of the period.

Then complete the following poem draft(s). Follow the steps closely to complete this assignment:

1. Using your first draft of your theme poem completed last class, move on to the second portion of this assignment. Complete the steps below to create a second draft. Complete your second draft today in the lab.
2. DRAFT TWO: Copy and paste your first draft above to create 3 separate versions. You will have the text currently of 4 first drafts.
3. Change the # in the heading of 3 of your drafts to indicate DRAFT TWO, parts 1, 2, and 3.
4. For draft two, part one: divide your poem into stanzas. You may choose a couplet, tercet, quatrain, or other stanza form. If your poem in draft one is already written in stanzas, remove the stanza breaks.
5. For draft two, part two: choose a syllabic rhythm for your poem. Create a pattern of syllables for your poem. For example: if you want 6 syllables per line, divide the poem into appropriate lines. You may choose a pattern: for example 6, 8, 6 syllables. It often sounds more pleasing to our ear to have an even number of syllables. This creates what is called EUPHONY. Breaking this euphony is what we call CACOPHONY.
6. For draft two, part three: try writing the poem again but either turn it into a rhyming poem, a sonnet, or use a specific meter (iambic pentameter, iambic tetrameter, trochaic trimeter, dactylic dimeter, etc.). If your first draft WAS a set pattern (such as a sonnet or villanelle) take it out of the pattern and create a free verse poem.
7. After completing the 3 different versions based on parts one, two, and three, please print your poem versions out and place in the in-box.

PUBLIC READING OPPORTUNITY:

We have been given 10-15 tickets to attend BOA's annual fundraiser Dine & Rhyme. Featured poets are Dorianne Laux and Nin Andrews. They will also be reading from The Collected Poems of Lucille Clifton, a recent BOA publication.

The event takes place this Sunday (September 23) at 3:00 at the auditorium of the Memorial Art Gallery (right next door to us).

If you are interested in joining us, please let me or Ms. Gamzon know ASAP so we can reserve you a ticket. If you go, you will get extra credit.

At this time, though, visit the two poets' websites and read some of their poetry. You may also read some of Lucille Clifton's poetry. After reading, in class (or for homework) please post a response to Laux, Andrews, and Clifton's poetry on the creative writing forum.