Free Verse, slam poetry

1. Free Verse, slam poetry

2. Learning Goal • Today we will be exploring free verse and slam poetry. This lesson will draw connections to the types of poetry we have explored, as well as providing you with a new perspective on the definition of poetry

3. Writing Free Verse Poetry • no set pattern of rhyme or rhythm • No rules about length • You try to keep the words that belong together on the same line, but, sometimes the poet will break these words if he/she wants to create a visual shape to support the poem's message, or feeling that the poet wishes the reader to experience. • The poet may wish to put special emphasis on a word he/she has used so he will leave that word on a line to itself, or place it on the next line so the reader notices it or is surprised by the poet's use of the word • Often a poet will end a line because it feels right to him/her to do so. The poet chooses the length of each line and the length of the poem according to the message, or feeling he/she wishes to communicate to his/her reader. • When free verse is read aloud the reader can hear the rhythm of the words that the poet has used in his/her poem. • Think of it as spoken music

4. Topic • Anything and everything can be the topic of a free verse lyrical poem. • What ever subject that appeals to the poet can end up in free verse. • Language that shows, not tells. • For example, instead of writing " We had so much fun today.", the poet would write "They wore smiles all the way home." The idea being that a grinning face is more descriptive of the fun they had. It also leaves a stronger impression with the reader. • Capture images, convey meaning, or emotions through the use of lyrical phrases that will get the poet's message across without a lot of telling. Free verse poets use figurative language devices such as metaphors, similes, and personification to create these phrases.

5. Example: Knock, Knock • Daniel Beaty http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTZrPVqR0D8 • After reading Knock Knock for homework, and then seeing it performed, was it different than you had read? • How does free verse poetry make you feel? • Do you think you would be able to deliver a similar poem? • When looking at free verse, can you draw connections between narrative poetry and lyrical poetry within this new type of poetry we are exploring?

6. More Examples • Sarah Kay: Hiroshima http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJdQHQ6kbv0 • SuheirHammand: http://www.ted.com/talks/suheir_hammad_poems_of_war_peace_women_power.html In her poems and plays, SuheirHammad blends the stories and sounds of her Palestinian-American heritage with the vibrant language of Brooklyn to create a passionately modern voice