Reflect on the ways the above poets illustrate the “self” though images, metaphors and references to the natural world and then write a poem following the prompts below:
*Remember: These are just drafts. Go crazy. Think outside the box. Turn off your inner editor.
DIRECTIONS: Think of one of your favorite natural “objects”- a tree, flower, stone or shell– and do quick research to find out the Latin, biological, or proper names (get specific) for this object, some of the characterizes, and other details you didn’t know before.
Write a poem in which an intense emotion you harbor (could be desire or persistence or longing etc.) is represented by images and metaphors related to your natural “object.”
Rule: you must write more than 8 lines. You can’t rhyme! Title your poem with the name of the natural object.
Example:
A long time ago I wanted to know why some of the flowers in my garden wilted when I walked through them. I researched quickly and found the name of these flowers: “mimosa plants.” A mimosa plant is also called a “touch-me-not” or “shame-plant,” which wilts immediately upon being touched. I looked at the pictures and read all I could read about the plant (by Googling it). Latin name is “mimosa pudica”– “pudica” means bashful. After I read the whole Wikipedia entry on these plants, I decided to write a poem about my shame using the mimosa plant as a metaphor.
The beginning goes something like this:
my skin is as thin as a mimosa plant
one of those feathery touch-me-nots
sensitive shame-plants
with purple pompom flowers
orchid psychedelic pizzaz
the plant wilts just
brushing against your hairy calf
The rest of the poem brings in an incident that caused shame- just a brief image of the instance, not a story!
I’m asking you to do something similar with a tree, plant, flower or type of stone or shell, (not an animal) that you find compelling. Research the foliage or shell you have in mind. Brainstorm ideas. Avoid cliches like roses and love.
Flower I choose: Lotus (Nelumbo Nacifera), emotion loneliness
Write a draft! More than 8 lines, NO RHYMING.
