SUMMARY AND CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Words are everywhere and this collection of poems shows just how poetry surrounds us everyday. In the street, at the store, while at home, browsing in the library and just about anywhere, a poem can be found. It just takes looking with fresh eyes, like those of the 30 different poets that have contributed a found poem to this collection.
A found poem is created from existing text that does not originally appear as a poem. The words are left intact or undergo very minor changes in their transformation to poetry. The poet takes the liberty to change the spacing, capitalization and punctuation if so desired and then supplies a title. The results are a truly surprising. Readers will be amazed at how the strategic placement of words and a catchy title can transform ordinary words from everyday places into interesting poetry. This book is a joyful celebration of the words that surround our lives everyday.
The range of beloved poets contributing to this collection is impressive. Readers will recognize many of their favorite poets like Paul Janetzko, J. Patrick Lewis, Bob Raczka, Naomi Shihab Nye, Jane Yolen and many others.
Both deep and light-hearted meanings can be found throughout this collection. "Lake Haiku," by Terry Webb Harshman, tells of the beauty of the lake with words taken from photo captions. "Cross Words," by Jane Yolen, plays with meaning, taking crossword puzzle clues and transforming them to moody complaints. "Empty Promises," by Kristy Dempsey, is an acrostic poem, using inviting words from a Publisher's Clearing House Sweepstakes website to entice a prospective entrant, while the hidden word, UNLIKELY, sends up cautions about the true odds. "Nicknames in the NBA," by J. Patrick Lewis, has a delightful rhythm and sound, created by the careful positioning of NBA players' nicknames. Listen for the beat, "Z, Zo, Rip, Bo, Tip, Mo, Pip, Lo, Stro, / Cat, Doggie, Piggie, Goat, Snake, Bull, Horse."
Spacing and organization on the page also create sensory experiences. In "How to Write a Poem On Your Computer" Bob Raczka has created a concrete poem that looks like a drop-down menu from a computer. Bruce Ballard in "Ask a Train Operator" uses questions to the New York Times about trains to create a concrete poem that looks like a train.
Georgia Heard provides a helpful introduction to the concept of found poetry. Antoine Guilloppe has created simple black and white illustrations that add humor, interest and interesting scenes to the poetry. A table of contents will be useful to readers wanting to locate a favorite poem. The small size of this book fits easily into the reader's hand or pocket for portability.
Every poem in this collection is unique and creative. Some of the subtle meanings take a read and a reread to catch the full meaning. This completely enjoyable collection should be shared with students again and again. Many may have never considered the poetry around us and will enjoy the challenge of looking for their own found poem.
SPOTLIGHT ON A POEM
The skillful eye of the poet taking notice of how combinations of words work together to create surprising meanings is more challenging than it might seem. It requires learning to listen to words differently and to look at words differently. The following poem was created from book titles. Carefully selecting just the right titles, the poet has cleverly assembled rules for visiting the zoo. The title pulls the book titles together for a wonderful effect. I would collect photos of these book titles to arrange in order and to project on a screen for the students to view as I read this poem aloud. The class would be invited to read the poem chorally, alternating lines with the boys and the girls. Groups of children could also act out each line. I would encourage discussion about how these titles work together. The class would be encouraged to look for other titles (maybe from the classroom library) on other topics that might also make an interesting poem.
Found by Laura Purdie Salas in book titles on a library shelf
"Top Ten Rules For Our Zoo Field Trip"
"Don't let the pigeon drive the bus
Please don't feed the bears
Don't go pet a porcupine
Never tease a weasel
Never, ever shout in a zoo
Never smile at a monkey
Please don't wake the animals
Never play snap with a shark
Don't take your elephant to school
DON'T TOUCH THAT!"
EXTENSIONS
Students can track down any of their favorite authors that they find in this book with a quick web search. Check out Georgia Heard's website for more information about this gifted writer and poet at http://www.georgiaheard.com. Her writings inspire both students and teachers alike.
No comments:
Post a Comment