Poetry How-to (cont.)

Poemcrazy (by Susan Goldsmith Wooldridge): This book of encouragement and poetry practice ideas is all about poetry as self-expression, poetry as a way to face fears, make connections.

Excerpt: …The starry show turned out to be beneath, not above us—from phosphorescent plankton. The ocean was alive and filled with light. Sometimes we think poems need to be about important, dramatic moments. The events of our lives seem mundane. Often the small occasions in the front or back yard are the most magical. We just need to notice and then create a way to experience and enjoy this ordinary magic.

Poetry Matters (by Ralph Fletcher): This book for kids (but great for adults, too) is one of my favorites. It’s non-threatening but full of useful, practical advice and great examples.

Excerpt: Think fragments. It’s a funny thing. For years, teachers drill the Rules of Language into your head. Use complete sentences! Begin each sentence with a capital letter! Don’t begin a sentence with “and” or “but.” No fragments. Certain teachers have been known to inflict pain (or at least low grades) on students who forget to follow these rules.

But a poem is an impressionistic piece of writing, a word painting in which the writer tries to capture a moment, an image…