CONCRETE POEMS

Concrete poetry is a type of poetry that is also referred to as shape poetry.  Words and phrases are arranged on paper to capture and extend meaning, often by creating a picture out of the words.
What words would you use to describe a snake? How would you draw a picture of a snake. How would you combine all your ideas? Check this out:

How about a flower? Brainstorm words, concepts, emotions, use your senses.... What shapes does the idea of a flower inspire? How would you combine your ideas? Here's one example of a concrete poem about flowers:

What about a plane taking off from an airport - how could you write a poem about that?

Hope you're inspired because now it's time for you to create an original concrete poem.

  1. Think of a topic that you would like to write about. If you're stuck, check out this site for some inspiration.
  2. Make a sketch of something that you would like to write about.
  3. Think of images, descriptive words, and figurative language that best describe your topic.
  4. Think about what you want to say or convey about your subject. What is interesting about your subject.
  5. Make lists of words you might use to describe these different characteristics.
  6. Jot them down in web form or in a list as you think of them.
  7. Write a pair of quatrains about your topic. Make sure that the words at the end of each of the lines rhyme.
  8. Combine your two quqtrains (eight lines) and shape them like your sketch. As you do this, revise the lines until they look, feel, and sound right to you. Draft, revise, and edit.
  9. Think about varying the words you use, the shape and sizes of letter forms and how to position them on the page.
  10. Give your poem a title.
  11. Now, for the real test, read it ALOUD. Does it really paint a clear picture of your topic?
  12. Share your poem with someone else. Listen to his or her critique of your poem. A critique is when someone tells you the strengths and weaknesses of your work. DON'T GET MAD, LISTEN to the suggestions. Revise your work. Remember, the BEST writers are REWRITERS!
  13. Type and choose a font that adds to the look of your poem.
  14. Illustrate your poem.

Can you combine technology with concrete poetry? Yup! Check out these examples - high tech!

(go) fish by Loss Pequeno Glazier

Ghost City

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graphics from http://www.liswa.wa.gov.au/liskidz/allsorts/concrete/

http://quest.nasa.gov/aero/wright/teachers/wfomanual/langarts/poem.html