Found Poetry: Poetic Forms I

In honor of National Poetry Month (April), I thought we could take a few moments to explore writing a poem today.

Not too long ago, I discovered a form of poetry I had not known before: found poetry. According to https://www.poets.org/found poetry is similar to a collage. And it’s exactly what it sounds like. You “find” your poem by collecting words, phrases and lines from different sources. This unique type of poetry can be used with all ages.

Disclaimer: if you borrow someone else’s words be careful about plagiarism, especially if you decide to publish your poem.

How do you “find” a poem?

There are many ways to compile a found poem. My first recommendation is to begin with a theme or message. Then you can limit yourself to one or two sources that have that common theme, such as the obituaries or personal ads.

Another approach is to start looking for words and let them lead you to the theme or message.  As you scan through several sources, pull unique words and phrases from each of them that seem to connect.

Creative places to find your poem

Think outside the lines for this type of poetry. The inspiration can come from anywhere, including the back of a box of cereal! Here are a few sources to get you started:

*Instruction manuals, especially for electronics or games

*patient prescription printouts that come along with medications

*terms of agreement, privacy practices brochures, and other legal stuff no one reads

*warranty information

*book, movie or product reviews

*news or magazine articles

*advertisements, billboards, slogans

*literature, especially short stories, novels, and poetry (again be mindful of plagiarism)

*emails, Facebook and Twitter posts, and other social media forums

*recipes or food labels

*Bible verses, passages, and sermon notes

*street signs, political signs, and other signs

*song lyrics or movie subtitles

*websites

*wanted, for-sale ads, personal ads, obituaries

This list really could go on forever. Part of the fun is finding a unique place from which to gather your words.

Once you have your words, phrases and a general idea of the theme, let the creativity flow.

Write your next poem from the back of a cereal box. #poets #poetry Share on X

Tips to jump-start your poem

Consider these suggestions if you’re not sure how to get started:

*Write a “How To” poem using an instruction manual, recipe and/or prescription information.

*Compose a funny poem by skimming through terms of agreement or warranty information. What kind of poem could you write that explores offering a “limited” warranty on something unusual, say a relationship?

*Take a line from another famous poem and write a poem in response.

*For younger children (and adults), try cutting out words and arranging them into a poem like making a real collage on paper.

For more about found poetry, click here.

Now it’s time to challenge yourself. Once you’ve written your found poem, share it below. Don’t forget to tell us where the words came from because many times that is part of the fun!

Where will you find your next poem? #poets #poetry Share on X