Step 1: Reread Sections 1-4 of “Between the World and Me” closely. Record words and phrases that have an emotional impact on you
, or that create vivid images in your mind, or that you admire because of the author’s style. Step 2Carefully re-read the words/phrases you have highlighted and select the ones you want in your poem. Create a found poem based on what you’ve recorded from Sections 1-4.
Select and organize the words and phrases in such a way that a new meaning is revealed.
Punctuate lines as you would like. You may change the tenses, possessives, plurals.
Cut everything that is dull or that does not help express your overall meaning (you are creating a picture and idea with these “found” words).
The only words of your own that you may add are words to form a title. The title should reflect your poem. You don’t have to have a title. Title can also be 1st line of poem.
Pay attention to line breaks and layout, as this is a way to emphasize significant words and ideas, and also to add a rhythm if you want your poem to have one.
Play with font style and size, make words bold or italics. You may add a picture or alter the paper accordingly. Be able to explain why you did what you did.
Add color, shapes, and imagery to the background of your poem.
Step 3: On a separate piece of paper, write 2 paragraphs (min. 8 sentences) explaining your poem – why you chose and organized the words/phrases as you did. In other words, you are to provide an analysis of your poem. Your opening 1 or 2 sentences should reference where your words are from and how you created the poem. The rest of your analysis should explain your thought process (idea or message you are presenting) behind why you chose and arranged as you did. Make sure to include analysis of artistic elements used.
Poems are to be a minimum of 10 lines and 50 words long and the analysis must be at least 8 sentences. Your poem must show thoughtfulness and must clearly present a focused idea. Indicate the number of words you used in your poem on the back (tools, word count).
