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Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Poetry Prompt Day 9: Lyrical Poetry


In September I shared some insights on thinking lyrically when writing poetry.  So let's take it a step further and try writing a poem with a lyrical feel in mind. 

Writing Prompt: Choose a musical style that you enjoy that fits what you'd like to write about and think in that style as you craft your poem. Think about *scansion in relation to that musical style and write your poem as a song. It can be short, long, a story song - anything you feel. Let go of any preconceptions you may have about prose and write what you feel musically. 

*scan·sion
ˈskanSHən/
noun
  1. 1.
    the action of scanning a line of verse to determine its rhythm.


Take inspiration from some of your favorite artists and think about some of the lines that you find particularly poetic and pay attention to how they get the message across. Are they compact, little bites of deliciousness or are they lavish and intricate?  It can rhyme, but it doesn't have to. 

"whisper words of wisdom...let it be" - paul mccartney 

"life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans" - john lennon 

"What I am is what I am, are you what you are, or what?" - edie brick ell

"we're one...but we're not the same...we get to carry each other, carry each other..." - bono

"i wanna knit you a sweater, i wanna write you a love letter, i wanna make you feel better, i wanna make you feel...free..." -joni mitchell


Write a poem that could be set to music! Have fun!

6 comments:

  1. Loved the lyrics you chose. My favorite line from a song might be pretty dangerous to use in a poem

    Words are weapons sharper than knives/ Makes you wonder how the other half die

    From Devil Inside by INXS

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  2. There you go posting the original manuscript of my all time favorite song. Don't kmow if it's inspiring or intimidating!

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  3. This prompt was a tough one for me! I considered giving up for today, but I'm glad I punched through the writer's block.

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