Exercise 1.53

Write a poem that uses the ABABA rhyme scheme.

Brainstorm by making 3-4 lists of words that rhyme. Then choose a topic that interests you and try drafting a poem using words from the list you brainstormed. After you finish writing your poem, take 2-3 minutes to quickly revise and edit it to improve it. 

Exercise 1.54

Write a poem that uses the ABBA rhyme scheme.

Part A

Choose a topic that interests you. Brainstorm by writing a list of words related to that topic (e.g. Topic = winter  List = snow, ice, cold, etc.). Use the list to draft your poem. Find words that rhyme as you write. 

Part B

Exchange poems with a classmate. Read and review your classmate's poem using the following questions. Then, give your partner feedback on their poem and receive feedback about your poem from them. Discuss any feedback you have questions about. 

• What was the topic of your classmate's poem?
• Did your classmate's use ABBA rhyme scheme?
• Were there any grammar errors in the poem that made the meaning confusing?
• Did any part of your classmate's poem confuse you? If so, why was it confusing?
• What was your favorite part of their poem?

Part C

Based on the feedback you received in part B, revise and edit your poem. When you are done, publish your poem by turning it into the teacher or displaying it somewhere that others may read it. 

Exercise 1.55

Not all poems have a set rhyme pattern. Some poems don't rhyme at all. 

Read the poem below. Then answer the questions and write your own poem. 

Free Verse Poem 

by Robert von Ranke Graves

  I now delight
    In spite
    Of the might
    And the right
    Of classic tradition,
    In writing
    And reciting
    Straight ahead,
    Without let or omission,
    Just any little rhyme
    In any little time
    That runs in my head;
    Because, I've said,
    My rhymes no longer shall stand arrayed
    Like Prussian soldiers on parade
    That march,
    Stiff as starch,
    Foot to foot,
    Boot to boot,
    Blade to blade,
    Button to button
    Cheeks and chops and chins like mutton.
    No! No!
    My rhymes must go
    Turn 'ee, twist 'ee,
    Twinkling, frosty,
    Will-o'-the-wisp-like, misty;
    Rhymes I will make
    Like Keats and Blake
    And Christina Rossetti,
    With run and ripple and shake.
    How pretty
    To take
    A merry little rhyme
    In a jolly little time
    And poke it,
    And choke it,
    Change it, arrange it,
    Straight-lace it, deface it,
    Pleat it with pleats,
    Sheet it with sheets
    Of empty conceits,
    And chop and chew,
    And hack and hew,
    And weld it into a uniform stanza,
    And evolve a neat,
    Complacent, complete,
    Academic extravaganza!

1. What is this poem about? ________________________________________

2. Is there any rhyming in this poem? ________________________________________

3. Is there a specific rhyme scheme in this poem? ________________________________________

3. Why do you think Robert Graves choose to write his poem this way? ________________________________________

4. Write your own poem in the space below. Do not use a rhyme scheme. 

5. Write your own poem in the space below. Do not use any rhyming words at the end of your lines. 

Exercise 1.56

Write a haiku about this picture. Use the haiku syllable pattern: 5 syllables in the first line, 7 syllables in the second line, and 5 syllables in the last line. 

_{Image: Alex Azabache, 2019}

Exercise 1.57

Part A

Write a poem of any type. Include at least 2 literary devices. 

Part B

 Use the questions below to reflect on your thinking. Write the answers to the questions as complete sentences. 

1. How did you use the writing process when creating the poem for part A. 

2. Which parts of the writing process did you find more difficult?

3. Which parts of the writing process did you find easier?

4. Which of the strategies that you used while writing was the most effective and efficient for you?

5. Is there anything you would change about how you approach writing poetry based on your answers to questions 1-4?