Writing Assignment: Expressing Through Poetry
- Print
- 8/2/2008 |
- 10:00 am
When I conduct writing workshops at schools, I'm often impressed by the number of students who write poetry. And, by the way, both girls and boys use this as an outlet for their feelings. So this month let's try this poetry exercise...
Some people are intimidated by the word 'poetry,' as if it's something beyond their abilities. But you'd be surprised at how rewarding it can be, and how much it might help you express your thoughts.
No, it doesn't have to rhyme, and it doesn't have to follow a particular rhythm. Poetry has a simple beauty to it. Perhaps all you need is a prompt, so here are two.
Take a few minutes and compose a short poem based on the last thing that made you really happy. Here's mine:
Just a smile, unexpected Unrequested. The gloom of morning evaporates in a flash.
In this case, the flash can mean more than one thing, right? Not only did the smile make me happy, but the act of expressing it like this brought that same feeling back again.
Here's another prompt. Think of something that made you laugh recently, and set it to verse.
Winding trails, shade then light Bending, twisting. Carry me, pull me, lull me. A sudden slithering companion Bending, twisting. Lift me, push me, awaken me!
Can you guess what happened? Poetry can convey all of your emotions, from joy to pain to fear. As with all of your creative writing, there are no rules or limits. Explore, enjoy, and learn!
