"A book, too, can be a star, 'explosive material, capable of stirring up fresh life endlessly,' a living fire to lighten the darkness, leading out into the expanding universe." - from Madeleine L'Engle's Newberry Medal Acceptance Speech

Friday, October 2, 2015

Write a Poem based on Nonfiction

Writers get inspired by the real world. Newspapers and magazines are great sources for writing of all genres. Choose any feature article from Upfront and write a poem as a personal and creative response. Here are 2 ways to write a poem:

1. Write a free verse poem or choose a different structure such as song lyrics or a sonnet.

2. Write a found or collage poem. Use at least 30 words and/or phrases and organize them in an intentional way.

Other guidelines:

  • do not rhyme (unless really necessary; don't let rhyme hinder meaning)
  • organize your poem intentionally; have a beginning, middle, and end
  • have a theme or message that is implied

Ms. Galang's Found Poem based on "Should Police Wear Body Cameras?" by Veronica Majerol

Tell the Truth

Michael Brown shot
in Ferguson. Unrest.
Darren Wilson says
it was self-defense.
Others say murder.
Grand jury decided
it was not a crime.

But what really happened
that night?

What really happened 
with Eric Garner in New York
Walter Scott in North Charleston
Freddy Gray in Baltimore?

The community is grappling 
with the world
with the police.

The community wants to know
what the police are doing.

Body cameras are a good way to show that.



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