Monday, November 26, 2012

on writing poetry

Hey grade sevens!

This came at the perfect time. I was exploring the nooks and crannies of the Interwebz, when lo and behold what should I find?

A few things to keep in mind while sitting down to write a poem:
  1. Don't tell the readers what they already know about life.
  2. Don't assume you're the only one in the world who suffers.
  3. Some of the greatest poems in the language are sonnets and poems not many lines longer than that, so don't overwrite.
  4. The use of images, similes and metaphors make poems concise. Close your eyes, and let your imagination tell you what to do.
  5. Say the words you are writing aloud and let your ear decide what word comes next.
  6. What you are writing down is a draft that will need additional tinkering, perhaps many months, and even years of tinkering.
  7. Remember, a poem is a time machine you are constructing, a vehicle that will allow someone to travel in their own mind, so don't be surprised if it takes a while to get all its engine parts properly working.

Anyone else out there have any tips? Would love to see them in our comments.

4 comments:

  1. This is great! Can I share with my class,as well?

    P

    ReplyDelete
  2. write a little everyday.sketch and draw and observe the world around you.Listen more. talk less.

    ReplyDelete
  3. doodle and make it personal. Enjoy it and don't view it as task. Don't be embarrassed to write the next thing you happen to think of because, ultimately, this is your work.

    ReplyDelete