More about National Poetry Month

 

One Poem and Many Ideas for a Poem

 

For this post in the midst of Nationl Poetry Month, I am sharing with you a poem about clichés and a list of ideas for writing a poem. Throughout my years of teaching writing, I, of course, encouraged my students to avoid clichés in their writings. After I retired, I thought writing a poem consisting primarily of clichés might be fun. Although I wrote this short poem on May 13, 2012, its references to The Wizard of Oz make the poem more pertinent this year, which is the 75^th anniversary of the famous movie.

 

Immediately after the poem, you will find lists of ideas to help you write a poem for National Poetry Month.

 

 

The Art of Writing Clichés–Ruby Clichés

 

by Alice Jane-Marie Massa

 

 

No rhapsody in the blues–

I want to think in the pink,

wear rose-colored glasses,

and smile with rosy cheeks

while everything is coming up roses!

 

No, no thorns—so, maybe, I will just be

as bright as a daisy,

as perky as Katie Couric

with each of my glasses half full

and all of my cups running over.

 

As sweet as honey,

as sweet as sugar–

home, sweet home:

“there’s no place like home,

there’s no place like home”

when I click together three times

all the clichés

that can fit into

my meretricious,

ruby slippers.

 

Ideas for Starting a Poem

 

Select a topic; then, think of just one creative word related to the topic. Next, either develop the word into a creative title for the poem; or write a line of poetry to put the word to use. Your first created line may become the first line, last line, or any other line of your poem. Expand your idea like a fan.

 

Topics for Writing a Poem or Poems

 

For each of the general topics which you select from the lists below, you will narrow and limit the topic according to your creativity. You will enrich the topic with your own specificity.

 

List 1:

 

__ a. Write a poem which will be an introduction of yourself.

__ b. Write a poem about and/or dedicated to the person who has most inspired you.

__ c. Write a poem about the most incredible sight you have seen.

__ d. Write a poem about an initial step which you have taken toward a goal or challenge.

__ e. Write a poem about independence.

__ f. Write a poem about an invention.

__ g. Write a poem about an invitation.

__ h. Write a poem about your involvement with a cause, a group, a family, an association, or an individual.

__ i. Write a poem about initials found carved into an antique desk.

 

List 2:

 

__ a. Write a poem about the champion you have been, are, or want to be; or write a poem about a champion whom you know.

__ b. Write a poem about a particular challenge or challenges in your life or in the lives of others whom you know.

__ c. Write a poem about chocolate, chili, a chef, a chandelier, or chimes.

__ d. Write a poem about an important choice or choices which you have made or need to make.

__ e. Write a poem about a child or children.

__ f. Write a poem which “paints” a picture of spring.

 

List 3:

 

__ a. Write a poem about a whisper, soothing music, or crunching sounds.

__ b. Write a poem about something for which you are very thankful.

__ c. Write a poem about someone for whom you are very thankful.

__ d. Write a poem about one of your talents or abilities for which you are grateful.

__ e. Write a poem about Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or Memorial Day.

__ f. Write a poem about the bounty which most people in the United States enjoy.

__ g. Write a poem about the noises from the city, the country, a factory, or a kitchen.

__ h. Write a poem about a misty rain, a thunderstorm, or a wind off the lake.

__ i. Write a poem about writing poetry.

__ j. Write a poem about making an oral presentation.

__ k. Write a poem about punctuation or grammar and punctuation.

__ l. Write a poem about practicing a musical instrument or another type of practicing.

__ m. Write a poem which is a “play on words.”

 

List 4:

 

__ a. Write a poem about a blue ribbon, trophy, or plaque which you have won, think you should have won, or will receive in the future.

__ b. Write a poem about a card or letter which you have sent someone or would like to send someone, or write a poem about a card or letter which you have received or would like to receive.

__ c. Write a poem about a gift which you have given, will give, or would like to give someone; or write a poem about a gift which you have received or would like to receive.

__ d. Write a poem about the smells or fragrances of spring or summer.

__ e. Write a poem about the end of a particular class or the end of the semester.

__ f. Write a poem about taking a bow, applauding someone or a group, receiving applause, shaking someone’s hand, smiling, or winking.

__ g. Write a poem about a finale, a theatrical stage, closure, or graduation.

 

Happy poetry writing!

Alice

 

Post-script: I am still learning how to work with the new computer. While I continue to progress, I am still finding areas wherein I need more answers to my questions.

 

April 9, 2014, Wednesday

 

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