Creative Writing
Graziano
Spoken Word and Personas
For Friday, you will need to write either three poems. Here are some options to consider for this
week’s drafts:
1. Write a poem using one of the fixed forms we’ve discussed in class. The poem can be
on any topic of your choice, however, you must do your best to follow the specific
rhyme schemes and meters. You may choose to write a sonnet (Shakespearian or Italian),
a sestina, or a villanelle. Again, try not to compromise what it is you’re trying to say,
although admittedly it can be difficult with fixed forms.
1. Write a spoken word poem must be able to sustain itself both to an audience and on the
page. We will be looking at a number of examples of longer pieces that, in my opinion,
meet both criteria.
2. Write a dramatic monologue. In other words, you will assume the persona of someone
else and write a poem from their first-person point of view. The voice you use will not
be your own. Of course, it may contain certain aspects of your own voice, but keep in
mind: IT IS NOT YOU. We’ll look at some examples in class. I’d suggest putting the
speaker in a specific setting and describing a narrative of sorts (see “Porphyria’s Lover”),
although you may choose the confessional route as well (see “Daddy” or “Be Careful
What You Wish For”). Most importantly, have fun with this assignment and be creative.
3. Write a poem that contains political/ social commentary. Some of the better long poems
that come to mind have a bone to grind with the System. It could either satirize it
(“Foxhole Manifesto”) or lambaste it (“America” and “Marriage”). These lend
themselves particularly well to spoken word because they speak of society as a whole,
rather than esoteric experience. It also allows the poet to literally have their voice heard.
The most important thing is to HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY! You will also need to be
aware of how a poem sounds and whether or not you can sustain the attention of an audience. I
would say your poem should be, at least, a page in length (depending on the line-breaks). Have
fun with this as you pay close attention to voice and tone.
Note: Just because a poem is written with the intention of being spoken doesn’t mean you
abandon all poetic device and craft.
If you have any questions, please feel free to see me. Otherwise, have fun with this.