July 7, 2005
How to Write a Lousy Poem with Very Little Effort
Many years ago in an language arts methods class, the instructor had us do this activity just for fun. Write a poem according the following formula (as best I can remember);
- Line 1: “In the __________ of my mind” (fill in the blank with a nonsensical metaphor, think of Simon and Garfunkel)
- Line 2: “I forgot to __________ “
- Line 3: write an exclamation with appropriate puncuation!
- Line 4: write a self-contradictory or paradoxical statement.
Keep in mind that the lines should not relate to each other or rhyme. Here is an example:
In the zamboni of my mind
I forgot to walk the dog
Wait, hold the elevator!
The sun casts the darkest shadow
Now try to write your own poem and post it as a comment.
Filed by Eric at 10:02 pm under Poetry and Literature
In the crossword puzzle of my mind;
I forgot to turn off the iron
EEK!!! A mouse!
The ghost dies in the mourning.
In the soupbowl of my mind,
I forgot to peel the turnips.
Hark! Who goes there?
A broken watch tells the best time.
In the pine tree of my mind
I forgot to trim my boughs“
My God! A fire is coming near,
May the rains of hell come quick!
In the printer of my mind;
I forgot to replace the ink
Ah, there’s the rub!
The next great American novel written on invisible paper.
In the incandescence of my mind;
I forgot to cross my Ts.
Damn the convention!
The wilted flower fails to bloom.
In the tar baby of my mind
I forgot to hold my punches.
My kingdom for a briar patch!
I’ve been caught by myself.