Perspective Poems: People/Animals
Note—attempt to write several, but turn in 4 for a grade. 20 points (5 points per poem).
We’ve explored compositions that tackle the personal perspective, so what about
someone taking a look at our lives?
Consider the following perspectives and what their story may be... or come up with
your own! These are just ideas to consider in order to get started.
1. A mother sending her daughter off to kindergarten
2. A kindergarten student on the first day of school
3. A bus driver picking up kids for school
4. A soldier at war
5. A child of a soldier at war
6. A spouse of a soldier at war
7. The first robin on a spring day
8. Fish in the ocean in regard to people vacationing
9. A Metro station worker
10. A cat looking out a front window
11. A pilot of Air Force One
12. A horse that pulls tourists in carriages in NYC
13. The doorman at a famous hotel
14. The boom man (soundman) on a movie set
15. Homeless person being passed by on the street
For eight of the above “characters”, or something/one else, write a poem that accurately portrays
their perspective on life.
Consider this...
-What do they notice about life?
-What about life intrigues them?
-How does their personality/perspective impact how they act?
**If you are truly struggling with a “poem” format, write a narration- just break up the lines.
To help you get going... here’s an example I wrote (can you guess it?)
Scratching and searching. Wet nose always exploring.
You leave me here. You take me there. But what about how I feel?
I see you walk away and I just sit and shake in frustration, anticipation, willing you back.
Back to me!
Please, won’t you answer me? Won’t you stop leaving me alone?
Where did you go and how can I get there?
Here... feel my warmth and a tickle against your skin.
Please... spend time with me.