Grapes of Wrath
Chapter 7
Write #4
Found Poem
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Read chapter 7 of Grapes of Wrath.
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This chapter is essentially a “Found Poem” - fragments of language in the form of
conversations, signs, lists, descriptions, and commentary arranged in a way that creates a
living poem, a portrait in words, of the place and time that is the subject of the chapter.
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Your task is to imitate the style of this chapter; choose a place that can provide enough
sensory “input” from which you can create a new, original found poem.
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Spend some time in the chosen place making observations as you write down what you
see, hear and think.
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Arrange the notes you take into an original, creative work, in free verse.
Here are some things to look for:
 Signs, posters, flyers, ads, graffiti
 Actual conversation (record pieces of conversation-not entire dialogue)
Caution: do not invade others’ privacy - get what you can without being
annoying
 Lists of things you observe, especially things that have some logical
groupings - like items for sale, different kinds of plants, makes of cars, types
of packages
 Descriptions of people
 Commentary - you personal observations about what you see.
Tips on writing your finished piece:
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Repetition - repeating similar sounds or similar words can create a
rhythm that works in poetry
Lists - the idea of listing or cataloguing items to make a long list is a
technique used by many poets such as Walt Whitman, to create a sound
and a collective image
Research - look up technical names or brand names or words unique to
the situation you are observing; these technical words or jargon add
authenticity and authority to your observations.