Poetry Activities #2

Using the text of the poet you chose for your second poetry chapbook, do the following JOURNAL/brainstorming exercises with your poet's book:

1. Jot down the best 3 titles of the poems in the collection
2. Read 3-5 poems and list what you think the poet's theme or main idea is in the poem.
3. Spend about 5-20 minutes reading (silently). When an idea pops into your mind stop and write a poem using that idea. If more time remains for this portion of the class, when you complete a poem, go back to reading.

POET AS AGENT FOR SOCIAL CHANGE

"Men die everyday for what they miss in poetry..." William Carlos Williams

1. The poet is the voice of reason
2. The poet is the spokesperson for the downtrodden, outsider, or oppressed
3. The poet is the eye of the world
4. The poet brings order to chaos

HOMEWORK: Complete your chosen text by next class. Write a slam poem (a poem meant to be performed/read out loud).