Poetic DefinitionPoetic DefinitionA poem is

a group of words that say more than they meanand mean more than they say.

A poemIs the answer

To a question That has never

been asked.

Directions: On your paper, write your own poetic definition of a poem/poetry. This definition will go on the cover of your poetry notebook.

Lyric PoemRed is a festive color;It wraps a gift package,Stripes a Christmas candy cane,Bubbles like sparkling BurgundyShines like a neon sign,And explodes in a Fourth of July firecracker!

Lyric Guide

Color is an Emotion color;It present tense action verb_________________,Present tense action verb__________________,Present tense action verb (simile)____________,Present tense action verb__________________,And present tense action verb_______________,

Directions: Use the guide to create a lyric poem.

The I Am PoemThe I Am PoemI am (two special characteristics I am (two special characteristics youyou have) have)I wonder (something you are actually curious about)I wonder (something you are actually curious about)I hear (an imaginary sound)I hear (an imaginary sound)I see (an imaginary sight)I see (an imaginary sight)I want (an actual desire)I want (an actual desire)I am (the first line of the poem repeated)I am (the first line of the poem repeated)

I pretend (something you actually pretend to do)I pretend (something you actually pretend to do)I feel (a feeling about something imaginary)I feel (a feeling about something imaginary)I touch (an imaginary touch)I touch (an imaginary touch)I worry (something that really bothers you)I worry (something that really bothers you)I cry (something that makes you very sad)I cry (something that makes you very sad)I am (the first line of the poem repeated)I am (the first line of the poem repeated)

I understand (something that you know is true)I understand (something that you know is true)I say (something that you believe it)I say (something that you believe it)I dream (something that you actually dream about I dream (something that you actually dream about

Directions: Using the guide, write “The I Am Poem” on your own paper.

Acrostic PoemsAcrostic PoemsAcrostic poems Acrostic poems are written down the page with each line beginning with are written down the page with each line beginning with the succeeding letters in a word. Most of them are based on names, like this the succeeding letters in a word. Most of them are based on names, like this example written by a high school student. example written by a high school student.

BBeer-drinking guyeer-drinking guy

IIn a bar singing.n a bar singing.

LLoudoud

LLingering songs,ingering songs,

RRoughough

OOn n

GGirls’ hearts.irls’ hearts.

EEvenven

RRough is ough is

SSmooth.mooth.

Directions: Beside your own names on your paper, write your own Acrostic poem. You may base your poem on qualities (love, jealousy, pain, etc.), sports, food, hobbies, or book titles.

Bio PoemBio Poem

Line 1: Your first nameLine 1: Your first nameLine 2: Four traits that describe youLine 2: Four traits that describe youLine 3: Sibling of…(can also be son of, Line 3: Sibling of…(can also be son of,

daughter of, etc.) daughter of, etc.)Line 4: Lover of… (3 people or ideas)Line 4: Lover of… (3 people or ideas)Line 5: Who feels…(3 items)Line 5: Who feels…(3 items)Line 6: Who needs…(3 items)Line 6: Who needs…(3 items)Line 7: Who gives…(3 items)Line 7: Who gives…(3 items)Line 8: Who fears…(3 items)Line 8: Who fears…(3 items)Line 9: Who would like to see…(3 items)Line 9: Who would like to see…(3 items)Line 10: Resident of (city or state)Line 10: Resident of (city or state)Line 11: Your last nameLine 11: Your last name

Personification PoemPersonification PoemDirectionsDirections: You are to represent one of the : You are to represent one of the

emotions listed below as a person. Select emotions listed below as a person. Select an emotion from the list and imagine what an emotion from the list and imagine what kind of person it would be like if it were kind of person it would be like if it were human. What would it look like? Sound human. What would it look like? Sound like? Fill in the description of the person like? Fill in the description of the person you’ve imagined in Part A, and then you’ve imagined in Part A, and then transfer your description to Part B, so as to transfer your description to Part B, so as to turn your answers into a poem.turn your answers into a poem.

EmotionsEmotions: joy, grief, fury, loneliness, : joy, grief, fury, loneliness, boredom, hysteria, peace, jealousy, boredom, hysteria, peace, jealousy, shynessshyness

Personification: Part APersonification: Part AFill in the description of the kind of person Fill in the description of the kind of person

you imagined.you imagined.Example:Example:1.1. Emotion you are representing as a Emotion you are representing as a

person: person: angeranger2.2. The person’s body type: The person’s body type: big, strong, big, strong,

muscularmuscular3.3. Way the person moves: Way the person moves: lunges forward, lunges forward,

fist raisedfist raised4.4. The person’s coloring (hair, eyes, etc.): The person’s coloring (hair, eyes, etc.):

red skin, black eyesred skin, black eyes5.5. Way the person speaks: Way the person speaks: shoutsshouts6.6. Way the person makes you feel: Way the person makes you feel: afraidafraid

Personification: Part BPersonification: Part B

Transfer your answers from Part A to the blank spaces below Transfer your answers from Part A to the blank spaces below to create a poem. to create a poem.

I saw (1) __________ clearly.I saw (1) __________ clearly.He/She was (2) ____________. He/She was (2) ____________. He/She turned and (3) ____________. He/She turned and (3) ____________. I saw his/her (4) ____________. I saw his/her (4) ____________. And heard him/her (5) ___________. And heard him/her (5) ___________. And I felt (6) ___________. And I felt (6) ___________.

Example:Example:I saw anger clearlyI saw anger clearlyHe was muscular and strongHe was muscular and strongHe turned and lunged at me, his fist thrust forward.He turned and lunged at me, his fist thrust forward.I saw his red skin and black eyes.I saw his red skin and black eyes.And heard him shout with rageAnd heard him shout with rageAnd I felt afraid. And I felt afraid.

Parts of Speech PoemParts-of-speech poems are an easy way to start writing poetry. All you do it supply the

words and ideas while you follow the given formula.

Follow the formula to create your own poem:

1 article and 1 noun1 adjective and 1 conjunction and 1 verbal1 verbal (form of verb) and 1 conjunction and 1 verbal 1 noun that relates to the noun in the first line

Examples:

The text book The sneakerswordy but factual worn and comfortable

Teaching and explaining Playing and runningyour world. all day.

The sleepercomfortable and cozy

Walking and rememberinghis dream

List PoemList PoemA list poem has repetition. In a list poem you repeat a A list poem has repetition. In a list poem you repeat a

word or phrase in each line to provide emphasis.word or phrase in each line to provide emphasis.

For example: (mom telling you to do chores)For example: (mom telling you to do chores) Go clean your roomGo clean your room

Go clean the dishesGo clean the dishes Go wash the dogGo wash the dog Go sweep the floorGo sweep the floor

Directions: Write a list poem. The poem must be at least Directions: Write a list poem. The poem must be at least 10 lines long.10 lines long.

DiamanteDiamanteDiamante is a seven-lined, diamond-shaped poem based Diamante is a seven-lined, diamond-shaped poem based

on contrasting words:on contrasting words:

WinterWinterwhite and silverwhite and silver

fading, sleeping, slowing downfading, sleeping, slowing downMarch exchanges vows with AprilMarch exchanges vows with April

nodding, rising, waking upnodding, rising, waking upgreen and goldburstgreen and goldburst

SpringSpring

The pattern is clear; lines two and six are two adjectives The pattern is clear; lines two and six are two adjectives describing the beginning and ending nouns; lines three describing the beginning and ending nouns; lines three and five, three participles (-ing or –ed words) also and five, three participles (-ing or –ed words) also describing the nouns, and line four, the pivotal turning describing the nouns, and line four, the pivotal turning point, which may be a word or a phrase.point, which may be a word or a phrase.

Diamante Cont’dDiamante Cont’dDirections:Directions: Choose one of the following polarities Choose one of the following polarities (good/evil, (good/evil,

sunlight/shadow, dream/nightmare, beauty/beast, love/hate, sunlight/shadow, dream/nightmare, beauty/beast, love/hate, food/garbage, pleasure/pain, failure/success, weak/strong, food/garbage, pleasure/pain, failure/success, weak/strong, rich/poor, clean/dirty, hot/cold, city/country)rich/poor, clean/dirty, hot/cold, city/country) create your own create your own diamante. Use the guidelines to write your poem. diamante. Use the guidelines to write your poem.

____________________________________1(first polarity; a noun)1(first polarity; a noun)

____________________________________________________________2 (adjectives describing the beginning and ending nouns)2 (adjectives describing the beginning and ending nouns)

__________________________________________________________3 (three particles –ing or –ed)3 (three particles –ing or –ed)

________________________________________________________________________4 (the pivotal turning point, which may be four words or a phrase)4 (the pivotal turning point, which may be four words or a phrase)

________________________________________________________________________________________5(three particles –ing or –ed)5(three particles –ing or –ed)

______________________________________________________________________________________6 (two adjectives describing the beginning and ending nouns)6 (two adjectives describing the beginning and ending nouns)

________________________________________7 (last polarity; a noun)7 (last polarity; a noun)

““I Used to Be” PoemI Used to Be” PoemBefore you begin to follow the steps outlined below, think of 2 objects that

could symbolize yourself. One to stand for the way you used to be when you were younger, and one to represent the way you are now. Then follow the steps listed below.

Examples:

I used to be Once I wasA caterpillar An empty notebookInching along. Waiting…But now I am For a pen,A butterfly, A poetFloating free. To come by.

Now I amA heap of crumpled notesWaiting for The janitor.

““I Used to Be” Cont’dI Used to Be” Cont’d

Steps for writing the “I Used to Be” poem:

1. For the first line of your poem, write down either “I used to be” or “Once I was”

2. For the next line, write down the name of the object you chose to stand for yourself when you were younger.

3. Describe (in a line or two) something about the object named that made it like you.

4. For the next line, write down either “But now I am” or “Now I am”

5. For the next line, write down the name of the object you chose to stand for yourself right now.

6. In a line or two, describe something about this object that makes it seem like you.

Comparison PoemComparison PoemExample:Example:Water beetles skimming the still surface of the waterWater beetles skimming the still surface of the waterLike tiny skaters gliding round a rink,Like tiny skaters gliding round a rink,Just one small push of their feet easing them forward untilJust one small push of their feet easing them forward untilThey are dizzy with motion—They are dizzy with motion—Me, I have always kept Me, I have always kept My feet on the ground. My feet on the ground.

Steps: Steps: 1.1. Focus on an image of some object or scene that you can Focus on an image of some object or scene that you can

imagine clearly. Describe this image in words that sound imagine clearly. Describe this image in words that sound well together (1 or 2 lines)well together (1 or 2 lines)

2.2. Think about what this image reminds you of-something Think about what this image reminds you of-something to which you might compare it to. Express this to which you might compare it to. Express this comparison in 2 or 3 lines. comparison in 2 or 3 lines.

3.3. Show the basis for the comparison you have made by Show the basis for the comparison you have made by indicating some way(s) in which your two images are indicating some way(s) in which your two images are alike. alike.

4.4. Decide how you feel about the object or scene you have Decide how you feel about the object or scene you have described. Indicate your own feelings briefly. (1 or 2 described. Indicate your own feelings briefly. (1 or 2 lines)lines)

Cinquain PoemCinquain Poem

Pronounced “cin-kain” this five-line form was invented by Adelaide Crapsey, who used a wavelike syllable count of two-four-six-eight-two. Following is perhaps her most famous example, as well as a cinquain by a student.

November Nightby Adelaide Craspey

Listen…With faint dry sound,Like steps of passing ghostsThe leaves, frost crisped, break from the treesAnd fall.

Cinquain Cont’dCinquain Cont’d

EngagementBy Vivian Riner

PromiseOf heart and handRing of stone and gold band.Days of sweet anticipationWaiting.

Directions: Write a cinquain poem using the more manageable patter of a one-word title, two adjectives describing the title, three –ing participles, a related phrase, and a synonym for the title.

Example:

SheepdogGentle, shaggyAmbling, rambling, shamblingA rollicking hayrick of unruly hairSadie

Creating A Poem by Answering QuestionsCreating A Poem by Answering Questions

Below are two sets of questions, both of which can be used to create poems. Below are two sets of questions, both of which can be used to create poems. Select oneSelect one of the sets of questions to answer, writing each answer on a separate line. Do not of the sets of questions to answer, writing each answer on a separate line. Do not try to answer in complete sentences. Put down phrases or images that occur to try to answer in complete sentences. Put down phrases or images that occur to you as you think about the questions. Use descriptive words. you as you think about the questions. Use descriptive words.

Set 1:Set 1:1.1. What is your favorite kind of tree?What is your favorite kind of tree?2.2. What does this type of tree look like? color, shape, height, etc. What does this type of tree look like? color, shape, height, etc. 3.3. What does this tree do when a heavy wind blows?What does this tree do when a heavy wind blows?4.4. How does this tree look on a very dark night?How does this tree look on a very dark night?5.5. Of what object or kind of person does this tree remind you?Of what object or kind of person does this tree remind you?

Set 2:Set 2:1.1. What is your favorite season of the year?What is your favorite season of the year?2.2. What special objects does this season remind you of?What special objects does this season remind you of?3.3. What colors do you think of when you think of this season?What colors do you think of when you think of this season?4.4. What special smells or sound do you associate with this season?What special smells or sound do you associate with this season?5.5. What activities do children do at this season?What activities do children do at this season?6.6. What changes in weather mark the end of this season?What changes in weather mark the end of this season?7.7. How do you feel when this season ends?How do you feel when this season ends?

Question Poem Cont’dQuestion Poem Cont’dRevising your poem: You might wish to revise and rearrange your answers Revising your poem: You might wish to revise and rearrange your answers

when writing your poem. Edit your poem so that is flows nicely. when writing your poem. Edit your poem so that is flows nicely.

Example Original version:Example Original version:

Birch tree,Birch tree,Tall and slim and white,Tall and slim and white,Swaying in the wind,Swaying in the wind,A dancer in the darkness,A dancer in the darkness,A lonely lady in a thin gown.A lonely lady in a thin gown.

Example Revised version:Example Revised version:

Birch tree,Birch tree,Slender and white,Slender and white,Swaying in the wind,Swaying in the wind,Lonely lady in a thin gown,Lonely lady in a thin gown,Dancing in the darkness. Dancing in the darkness.

Poem based on SimilesPoem based on SimilesStepsSteps::1. Select a pair of closely related objects to compare. 1. Select a pair of closely related objects to compare.

(Some of the pairs you could use might be (Some of the pairs you could use might be boys and boys and girls, a dog and a puppy, and ocean and a lake, a weed girls, a dog and a puppy, and ocean and a lake, a weed and a flower, the moon and a star.)and a flower, the moon and a star.) List the two objects List the two objects you are going to compare. you are going to compare.

2. For the first line of your poem, write down what season 2. For the first line of your poem, write down what season of the year Object 1 is most like. of the year Object 1 is most like. Line 1: _____________ is like _______________Line 1: _____________ is like _______________

3. For the second line of your poem, describe something 3. For the second line of your poem, describe something about Object 1 that makes it seem like that season. about Object 1 that makes it seem like that season. Line 2: ______________________________________Line 2: ______________________________________

4. For the next line, write down what different season of the 4. For the next line, write down what different season of the year Object 2 is like. year Object 2 is like. Line 3: ___________________ is like Line 3: ___________________ is like __________________________________

5. For the next line, describe some quality of Object 2 that 5. For the next line, describe some quality of Object 2 that makes it seem like that season:makes it seem like that season:Line 4: _________________________Line 4: _________________________

6. On the fifth line, write down what animal Object 1 is like: 6. On the fifth line, write down what animal Object 1 is like: Line 5: __________ is like ___________Line 5: __________ is like ___________

7. For the next line, indicate why Object 1 is like this animal: 7. For the next line, indicate why Object 1 is like this animal: Line 6: ___________________________Line 6: ___________________________

8. On the next line, write down what different animal Object 2 is 8. On the next line, write down what different animal Object 2 is like: like: Line 7: _____________ is like _____________Line 7: _____________ is like _____________

9. On the last line of your poem, describe some quality of Object 9. On the last line of your poem, describe some quality of Object 2 that makes it seem like that animal:2 that makes it seem like that animal:Line 8: __________________________________Line 8: __________________________________

10. Look over the lines you have written and be sure that they 10. Look over the lines you have written and be sure that they read smoothly and make sense. Make revisions as needed. read smoothly and make sense. Make revisions as needed.

EpitaphAn epitaph is the message that appears on one’s tombstone.

Some famous epitaphs are below:

Shakespeare"Good Friends, for Jesus' sake forbear,

To dig the bones enclosed here!Blest be the man that spares these stones,And curst be he that moves my bones."

Jim MorrisonKATA TON DAIMONA EAYTOY "To the divine spirit within himself"

Directions: Your assignment is to write your own epitaph, as you would want it to appear. You may write whatever you wish, as long as it is school appropriate.

Free Verse

Directions: Write a poem of your choice in “free verse” format. Review your notes if you don’t remember what this is. You may write about whatever you choose, as long as it is school appropriate.