Creative Writing

Your Words

Go ahead. Take a few minutes. Define poetry.

They Say

“The natural language of all worship” “devil’s wine” “an imitation of imitation” “painting that speaks” “a criticism of life” “a way of taking life by the throat” “an escape from emotion” “the antithesis of science”

They Say “Poems are not language, but the content

of the language” (Mary Oliver). “It is a kind of possible love affair between

something like the heart (that courageous but also shy factor of emotion) and the learned skills of the conscious mind” (Mary Oliver).

“Poetry is a river; many voices travel in it; poem after poem moves along in the exciting crests and falls of the river waves” (Mary Oliver).

They Say “Poetry is memorable speech” (W.H.

Auden). “Poems obey no rules and serve no

single purpose; rather they adapt to the distinct needs of specific times and individual poets… Any definition we formulate precludes others and imprisons us prematurely in a partial understanding of poetry” (Carol Burke and Molly Best Tinsley).

I can’t define it.

Poetry Packet #1

With your partner, please read your poem and answer the following of each piece:

What is interesting about this poem?What makes this poem unique?

Be prepared to read your poem and answer the questions.

Discussion:

What makes a poem interesting? What are the criteria of a “good” poem?

Homework:

List the objects in your bedroom or living room.

Write a poem describing them and telling a little of their—and your– history.