Playing the Game of Poetry
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One of the simplest ways to start playing the game of poetry is with my
Slurp! Slop! Slip! method. Here's how it works. |
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How To Begin
If you want to write a poem,
Put some words in your mouth. Roll them around like gumballs. Roll them on your tongue. You might take a sip to moisten your lips, Don't be afraid to work up a little spit. And when you say: Slurp! Slop! Slip! Words begin to drip. Open your mouth, Words will come out. And that's how a poem begins. |
Step 1: Slurp!
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Think of an image that fascinates you, a subject that intrigues you, or a character that inspires you. Many things can prompt a poem - a special place, a treasured object, or maybe the vision of a girl floating on a bubble will get you slurping.
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Step 2: Slop!
Make a list of words and phrases that pop into your head when you think about your subject. Include sights, sounds, actions, feelings, people, and places. Don't sweat the spelling. Don't look for rhymes. Don't edit yourself in any way. Just write- slop it on!
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Girl
Bubble Float Fly Pop |
Burst
Shimmer Blow Wet Drip |
Whoosh
Whisper Kiss Lips Shine |
Light
Sky Bounce Air Tip |
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Step 3: Slip!
Now select a few words that capture your attention, and begin rolling them around on your tongue. You're looking for playful combinations, interesting or strange expressions. Don't worry if your lines don't make complete sense. As Willy Wonka once said- "A little nonsense now and then is treasured by the wisest men."
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- Bounce a whooshing whisper
- Kiss some floating shine - Drip a burst of popping wet air - A wet whooshing lip kiss - Shimmer lip the sky |
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Step 4: All Together Now!
Once you've created some lines, have some fun putting them together in playful ways. Feel free to add words that aren't on your list or change words that are.
Don't get hung up trying to rhyme, but then again, don't shy away from a good one. Hook one line to another, then to another, and soon - poetic bliss. |
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Bubble-Tipped Girl
High in the air
Where the wind starts its wisp Lives a bubble-tipped girl Mixing hope and bliss. And when the sun From the heat starts to hiss. The bubble-tipped girl Blows bubbles with a kiss. And the clouds in the sky Come with rainbow mists. And everyone dances The sunshine bliss. |
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