Playing the game of poetry


	Playing the Game of Poetry One of the simplest ways to start playing the game of poetry is with my patented Slurp! Slop! Slip! Method. Here's how it works. How a Poem Begins If you want to write a poem, Put some words in your mouth. Roll them around like bubbles. 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! Think of an image that fascinates you, or 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 bubble-tipped girl will get you slurping. Step 2: Slop! Start making a list of words and phrases that pop into your head when you think about your prompt. Your list should be full and varied. Include sights and sounds, actions and 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! GirlBubbleFloatFly PopDripShineTip BurstShimmerBlowWet WhooshWhisperKissLips LightSkyBounceAir 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." - Bounce a whooshing whisper - Kiss some floating shine - Drip a burst of popping wet air - A wet whooshing lip kiss - Shimmer lip the sky "I dwell in possibility." -Emily Dickinson Step 4: Putting It All Together Once you've created some poetic 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. The 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. Read the next lesson, Writing With Music. Return from Playing the Game of Poetry back to Poetry Lesson Plans	Kiss The Fish! If you can't see Bill live, his CD *Kiss The Fish* is the next best thing! Click the image for more info. "My son listens to his CD Kiss the Fish almost every night. His ode to Shel Silverstein is a masterpiece!" - Diana Pieczynski, Mother
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Playing the Game of Poetry