Thursday, March 16, 2017

SOLSC Day 16 - A Found Poem Nature's Resiliency




Slice of Life Story Challenge --
Day 16  #SOL17 -
A Found Poem: Nature's Resiliency


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On Day 16 of the Slice of Life Story Challenge, the Two Writing Teachers website posted this:
  • Catherine Flynn shared this found poem in January. Using words found in the news, she created a poem. This might be a fun thing to try today.

I decided to try it. Going to the news website of a local TV station, I looked at their section called "Latest Local Headlines" where 10 headlines were featured. I took the 3rd word from each headline, and ended up with these 10 words: after, suspects, drill, to, driver, claims, suspect, in, discount, dozen. With those words in mind, I used them in one form or another to write a poem.

Here is my first attempt at a "found poem". 

Nature's Resiliency

Dozens of tiny crocuses are poised,
waiting for warm sunshine to fully open their blooms
in harsh March weather.

First,
heavy rains drill them,
driving some to the ground.

Then,
gusty winds and frigid temperatures
claim a few more.

I begin to suspect
that no blooms will survive this week;
the world won't enjoy their full beauty.

But,
never discount
the power of Mother Nature.

After
the sun shines strongly today,
there are many still standing --
straight and proud and open --
displaying their purple grandeur to the world.

They are telling us:
Spring will come.



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JudyK  March 16, 2017





          

12 comments:

  1. Your poem reminds me that spring is just around the corner. I also loved that you challenged yourself and went outside your comfort zone.

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    1. Actually, everything in this entire SOL challenge is out of my comfort zone, Elena! I guess my comfort zone is getting bigger by the day haha. :-) ~JudyK

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  2. Such a disparate set of words. I could see you had a poem, but, as I read the intro, I couldn;t imagine how you could do it. And then you did, so elegantly.

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    1. Oh my, Adrienne, thank you for the compliment! I really had my doubts about the process, too, but I decided to try it anyway. Who knew? :-).

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  3. I'm impressed! I thought of attempting to write a found poem, but was concerned with all the negativity in the press would lead to a bleak piece of prose. You proved me wrong!!! I'll have to add this activity to my to do list.

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    1. Thanks, Heidi! I had those same reservations, but after I read the found poem written by Catherine Flynn (in the "Be inspired" section on today's TWT site), I was inspired to try. :-)

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  4. I was thinking the same thing as Heidi, how could you make poetry out of that... and yes.. you did... and extremely well. I really enjoyed it!

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  5. Great job! I don't think I'd have the guts to try it. You did it and it was beautiful. I love the part where you spoke about the power of Mother Nature. Bravo!!!!

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    1. Wow, Maria, thanks. I appreciate your comments! ~JudyK

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  6. Judy,

    This is an awesome piece, found or unfound! And I'm not just saying that to make up for being the older sister who laughed at you in Day 12's post ;-) I loved the progression from First, Then, But, After. Being a flower lover, I also loved the way you described the crocuses and their proud purple grandeur. I could envsion everything you said- even without the beautiful picture at the end! Keep up the amazing work!

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    1. Thanks so much, Big Sis! (And it's okay that you laughed at me...Anybody would have! I was nuts! Ha!) I really appreciate your kind words and encouragement while I'm trying to develop/improve/expand my writing skills. :-)

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Comments are welcomed, and very much appreciated! :-)