The Tangled Branch Discussion Forums

A good way to get the class started Trev. Maybe wake them up a bit with a  less quietly argued approach, and a more loud and strident manifesto...for fun. for zing...some ideas...forgetting some strictures of rhyme...after all you don't want to give the impression that poetry must rhyme!

TrevorConway wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 11, 2021 1:46 am

Did I hear you say you can’t write a poem?

Really, you know, it’s not that hard.........................confronts one of the put-offs

In fact, I’d say, just let your mind roam,

and comb out those can't do nits.

 

An idea is usually the succulent/juicy seed,

then simply spew what you want to say,

then tidy a tad to what tone you need,

till it grows like a pregnant tree.

 

Make it easy for your reader to feel

just what you mean, graffiti lines

with imagination; for example, a pea

is a pearl dropped from a boozy vine.

 

But most of all, make your reader find,

’cause wonder is like a source for candy,

and poems can treat that ache,

without feeling you’ve ever been faked..

 

You might take the time to rhyme

or litter your lines with alliteration,......................

but it’s your choice – it’s not a crime

to pursue felonies that's more you.

 

And if you still find you can’t begin

to write your poem, just sit and read.

The words will seep unseen through your skin –

a little influence is all you need.

 

So, don’t ever let me hear you say,

“I’m giving up!” when you become distracted.

Instead, crayon it on a page.

You can’t write a poem? You’ve already started!

Hope that helps some...
 

Hi Phil,

That's helpful, indeed. Thanks very much.

Trev

Trevor,

I think this is a good poem for kids.
It's easy to understand and to the point.

Although it's important for writers of any age to know that poems don't have to rhyme, most kids love to rhyme words. It's a good tool for building vocabulary. Rhyming also helps children and adults remember. It's good to have a poem that's easy to remember.

The Caboose Who Got Loose by Bill Peet is a favorite for young kids as is Doctor Seuss. I loved reading them to my kids and still delight in them. I see this appealing to 4th graders and up.

I love that this piece encourages rather than preaches.

Just my thoughts.

~Deb

Cheers for your input, Deb. Good to get it.

Trev