Poetry: July 12, 2006 Issue [#1147] |
Poetry
This week: Edited by: Red Writing Hood <3 More Newsletters By This Editor
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Humanity has advanced, when it has advanced, not because it has been sober, responsible, and cautious, but because it has been playful, rebellious, and immature. Tom Robbins (1936 - )
You've achieved success in your field when you don't know whether what you're doing is work or play. Warren Beatty (1937 - )
The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity. The creative mind plays with the objects it loves. Carl Jung (1875 - 1961)
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Poetry Practice Through Play
When my youngest daughter was in pre-kindergarten, I went to the prerequisite open house. As the children played, the parents gathered - either standing or perched precariously upon tiny chairs - waiting for the teacher to speak.
The teacher gestured to each section as she explained how the children spent their day. We got to know the art center. We saw the tricycles, swings and seesaws they used during outdoor play. We were introduced to the block building, kitchen, and music centers.
When she finished, she smiled while waiting for our questions. One parents question stuck out in my mind: Besides going over their ABC’s and 123’s, what do they actually learn?
My Answer: Playing, while being a fun way to pass the time, can also teach. This is as true for poets as it is for the pre-k crowd.
THREE WAYS TO PLAY
~ONE~
A fun tool in the poet’s toolbox is alliteration. My favorite way to sharpen this tool is to play the game Scattergories.
The way to get points is to come up with unique answers, because if someone else comes up with what you wrote down, neither one of you get a point. The way to pile up points is to come up with a single answer that had words beginning with the same letter. For example, if “P” was the letter rolled and “panther” fit one of the categories, then “pink panther” would get you two points instead of one – as long as it also fit the category. You could try “pink polka-dotted panther”, but if the category is “type of cat” – you might have a problem defending your answer.
On the other hand, it’s loads of fun trying.
~TWO~
In case that was too much like playing for you, here is a fun way to practice poetry that I learned in my Creative Writing classes in college.
Try playing with word magnets – no refrigerator required.
The object isn’t to come up with anything serious, although sometimes you do by accident. Focus on finding a rhythm and the way words sound together. It’s okay to get silly.
You can find these word magnets at most bookstores.
~THREE~
The third way to play is as easy as closing your eyes.
Find a quiet place and use your imagination. Visualize a place in detail or become a different person. Immerse yourself in this imaginary place or imaginary life. Next, you write as much of this detail as you can. Bring it (or him/her) to life on paper.
Practice can be as boring as repeating the multiplication tables or it can be a fun experience. Boring gets old fast - personally, I like fun.
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Comments on last month's newsletter:
Submitted By: Nomadic_Soul
Submitted (by email) Comment:
I am in total agreement with your statement that narrative poetry makes you a better
writer. It really has put wind in my sails. Dudley
Submitted By: ridinghhood-p.boutilier
Submitted Comment:
Thank you for the explanation of narrative poetry, and the fine examples. Another writing challenge to explore, and hopefully expand my writing. Blessings!
Submitted By: ganesh
Submitted Comment:
I get lot of help from this newsletter, thanks. You teach me the basics of poetry.
Submitted By: Fyn
Submitted Comment:
Thank you for using my "Sleigh Ride" as an example. I love narrative poetry; for it sometimes works when simply telling a story doesn't quite work!
Submitted By: Mothermouse--come visit me
Submitted Comment:
This is a topic I don't see many address very often. I used to write poetry in rhyme a lot but lately it seems too confining. I've gotten where I like writing poetry that tells a story and may or may not have some rhyme in it. It's different to me from an essay or short story because of the way it's worded. I guess I would say creating a "poetic" mood and the imagery tends to set this sort of poetry apart from a short story or essay. Good job.
Submitted By: AXiLeA
Submitted Comment:
Thank you for this utterly interesting newsletter. The wonderful coincidence is that I was thinking about the subject of narrative poetry late last night, after I had reviewed a poem.
Today, I log in and what do I find? Precious information and comments on the same topic that bring a new dimension to my reflections.
Thank you, this is telepathy! AXILEA
I aim to please!
Thank you all for your wonderful comments. They each touch my heart and keep me going!
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