Poetry Booklet:
The following are examples of poetic styles you will be imitating during this unit. Be
sure to read all directions carefully. Remember to proofread your writing, add pictures to connect your
writing to the theme or purpose of the poem and do not hesitate to make changes to your initial
creations.
1. Article Poem: Peruse the newspaper for a short, interesting article. Be sure
to choose an article of high interest to you and your peers. In your notebook,
make a list of all of the key nouns included in the article. Next, make a list of the
key action verbs, another list of key adjectives, and finally a list of key adverbs.
Using only words from these lists (and any other words mentioned in the article),
compose a poem reflecting the contents of the article. Be sure to maintain the
writer’s tone in your poem. Though you may attempt to include rhyme and
rhythm in your poem, you may write in free verse.
2. Title-down Poem: Write a name, sport, season, or any other noun
vertically on your paper. Supply a suitable adjective for each letter in order to
describe your noun appropriately and accurately.
example:
Cunning
Lively
Obnoxious
Whimsical
Naughty
Silent
3. Haiku: This is a Japanese poetic form comprised of just three lines. Haiku
poetry depicts a specific moment in time (usually involving nature) and must
follow a 5-7-5 syllabic pattern. The first line must contain five syllables, the
second line must contain seven syllables, and the third line also must contain five.
example: A frog in the pond
Jumping at a small green fly--Silence in the pond.
4. Septone: Using your home or cellular phone number, create a vertical poem
that reflects the number of syllables per line. The topic is your choice! Consider
writing about something of importance to you. Assume that zero requires ten
syllables.
5. Cinquain: Write a noun (person, place, thing, or an idea).
Write two adjectives to describe the noun, separated by a comma.
Write three action verbs that tell what the noun does.
Write an interesting thought or observation about the noun.
Write the noun again.
example: Brothers
Annoying, pesky
Tattle, taunt, tease
Thorns in my side
Brothers
6. Self-Image Poem: This poem describes you by using images of how you see
yourself. Begin with “I used to be . . . “ in one line, followed by “But now I am . . .” in
the next. A variation of these might be “People assume I am . . .” followed by “But really
I am . . .” Compose five thematic stanzas. Consider other variations, but remain
consistent within your poem.
example: I used to be a timid child, afraid of practically everything . . .
But now I am a courageous teenager, ready to face the world.
7, Advice Poem: Begin with a list of two columns of 20 action verbs each,
arranged in a step pattern. Add thoughtful words of advice to the verbs. The finished
poem could be read aloud, with each person in class reading one line (with feeling).
example: Take a risk.
Challenge yourself.
Strive to be your best.
Encourage others to do the same.
Reach for the stars.
Dare to dream.
8. Five-Sense Poem: Consider your five senses. Create sensory images
(imagery) in your poem. Include figurative language, if possible.
example: Summer is liberty and celebration.
It tastes like rich, ripe raspberries.
It sounds like little leaves laughing.
It smells like green grass growing.
It looks like a wet, watery wave.
It feels like soft sand surrounding your toes.
9. If (or What If) Poem: This form of poetry asks you to consider
possibilities. Begin with the word If . . . or the words What If . . . and let your
imagination flow. Write at least ten lines. Include a rhyme scheme if you’d like.
example: If I were invisible, I’d explore every secret place on Earth.
If I were blind, I’d spend more time listening.
If I were rich, I’d buy something special for every person.
---or---
What if time suddenly ceased to pass?
What if the world’s leaders weren’t so arrogant?
What if zoos displayed different types of people?
10. Free Verse: This type of poetry is free of rhyme and regular rhythm (meter). It
may appear in several stanzas or in a single long one. Be sure to include examples of
figurative language, imagery, allusions, and repetition. Free verse poetry attempts to
capture the normal rhythms of ordinary speech. Attempt to write at least fifteen lines.
Choose a topic that interests you or one for which you hold strong feelings.