by Christine Swint
Read five poems by the same author, or five poems from five different poets. From each poem, choose a word you like, a word that jumps out at you. Write words cards (with one word noted on a card or paper slip), and place them in a box or an envelope. I use an old coffee can for this kind of writing exercise.
After you sit down to write your poem, draw one word, and let that word be a part of the first sentence or line you write. Continue writing your poem, drawing another word each time you come to a pause. Try to write eleven lines.
Collaboration suggestion
Write with the same five words as your partner, each of you writing five lines. Combine the five lines any way you like. The last line can be a combination of words from both of you. You might try alternating words until a sentence or line emerges.
Come back next Thursday, Sept. 24, and share what you wrote.
Christine, this is an excellent prompt as it means we have to read several poems before we write.
Thanks, Carole. Yes! That’s always a good way to rev the old poem engine, isn’t it?
Great idea and something I will steal to use with my poetry writing high school students! Thanks.
My husband is going fishing tomorrow so I’ll have some time to do this.
[...] was written for Read Write Poem prompt #45: Word Fishing. This challenged me a little, and I have to admit, I had fun. For this exercise, we had to read [...]
wow, been busy lately, but i’m definitely doing this one!
http://nibblepoems.wordpress.com
A-Lotus, that’s probably a good idea for this type of prompt. That way you’ll be less inclined to imitate the style of one poet, and maybe stick to your own.
Linda, your students are lucky to have you as a teacher.
See you on Thursday, nibble poems.
Yes, I was able to stick to my own style, but I had lots of fun with this prompt! Unfortunately, I won’t be here on Thursday to post this, so I might as well post it now. Thank you!
http://alotus-poetry.livejournal.com/25729.html
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