POETRY MINI-UNIT

Terms to know… Stanza- a collection of lines in a poem, like

paragraphs in poetry Rhyme scheme- the pattern of rhyming words in

the poem Structured poem- follows a strict pattern;

limerick, haiku, sonnet, etc. Slant rhyme- two word that nearly rhyme Syllables- the smallest unit of sound in a word Meter- the rhythm of the syllables in the poem Free-verse- poem with no rhyme scheme or strict

pattern

Example Stanzas“Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel SilversteinThere is a place where the sidewalk endsAnd before the street begins,And there the grass grows soft and white,And there the sun burns crimson bright,And there the moon-bird rests from his flightTo cool in the peppermint wind.

Let us leave this place where the smoke blows blackAnd the dark street winds and bends.Past the pits where the asphalt flowers growWe shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,And watch where the chalk-white arrows goTo the place where the sidewalk ends.

Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,And we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go,For the children, they mark, and the children, they knowThe place where the sidewalk ends.

Rhyme Schemes: AABB

AABB with 7 syllable meter

Sally went into the storeShe nearly fell through the floorShe saw the prices sky highAnd decided not to buy

Rhyme Scheme: ABAB

ABAB with a 6 syllable meter

Walk with me to the parkA peaceful day to roamI will not stay till darkBy then I will be home

Rhyme Scheme: ABCB

ABCB

On the beach I find myselfHappily patrolling the shoreI see many ships sailing aboutAnd wonder what they’re for

Limerick The first, second, and fifth lines rhyme and have

the same number of syllables, typically 8 The third and fourth lines rhyme with 5 syllables These are often used as nursery rhymes and are

funnyExample:

There was an Old Man with a beard,Who said, "It is just as I feared!Two Owls and a Hen,Four Larks and a Wren,Have all built their nests in my beard!"

“Life is Fine” by Langston HughesWhat rhyme scheme does he use?

I went down to the river,I set down on the bank.I tried to think but couldn't,So I jumped in and sank.I came up once and hollered!I came up twice and cried!If that water hadn't a-been so coldI might've sunk and died.But it was Cold in that water! It was cold!I took the elevatorSixteen floors above the ground.I thought about my babyAnd thought I would jump down.

I stood there and I hollered!I stood there and I cried!If it hadn't a-been so highI might've jumped and died.But it was High up there! It was high!So since I'm still here livin',I guess I will live on.I could've died for love--But for livin' I was bornThough you may hear me holler,And you may see me cry--I'll be dogged, sweet baby,If you gonna see me die.Life is fine! Life is fine

The Ode An ode poem is a poem that is about only one specific

thing that you think is truly amazing and praiseworthy. This type of poem can be centered upon an object, an idea, or even a person.

The trick to writing an ode poem is to write using the same structure throughout, while using different words to communicate the one thing you are writing about.

EXAMPLE: “iPod” by Anonymous

O iPod, I do appreciate thee. Always helping and calming me. I always go to you when I’m in need. Everything you do is a good deed.

Poetry Assignment #1- The Ode Pick a person, place, or thing you love Write a five stanza, 20 line rhymed ode with

any of the rhyme schemes we’ve studied so far It must have at least 150 words. You must choose a syllable count (8, 9, 10, etc.)

and use it consistently.

Rhyme Scheme Options AABB ABAB ABCB

Haiku Japanese poetry that focuses on nature Does not rhyme, but uses strict line and

syllable count Either 5/7/5 or 3/4/5

Example:A weeping willow (5)Leaves tickling the warm ground (7)Spring has come again (5)

Free-Verse Poetry No rhyme scheme, no metered rhythm

My little pup, my labradoodle,with its curly yellow hairis the sweetest dog,the best companion,the kindest friend,I could ever have.

Figurative Language: Comparisons

Metaphor- comparing two unlike things without using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’ Redbull gives you wiiiings.

Extended Metaphor-a comparison that lasts for multiple lines, stanzas, or throughout text

Simile- comparing two unlike things using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’ She laughs like a donkey. My dog is as dumb as rocks.

Figurative Language Onomatopoeia- sounds spelled out

as words Boom! Kablam! Whoosh!

Alliteration- using the same sound in repetition Anna ate ample apples at another

apartment. Hyperbole- an extreme exaggeration

If he/she dumps me, I will never be happy again!

Figurative Language Personification- inanimate objects

acting or feeling like people The light crept over the mountains. The house stood proudly.

Anthropomorphism- animals acting like people The puppy danced across the floor. The cub cried out for its mother. The cat smiled when it had the mouse cornered.

The free bird leapson the back of the windand floats downstreamtill the current endsand dips his wingsin the orange sun raysand dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalksdown his narrow cagecan seldom see throughhis bars of ragehis wings are clipped andhis feet are tiedso he opens his throat to sing.

Excerpt from “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings”by Maya Angelou

The caged bird singswith fearful trillof the things unknownbut longed for stilland his tune is heardon the distant hill for the caged birdsings of freedom

Poetry Assignment #2 Take a look at the third item on our

Brainstormed list on the inside cover of your creative writing portfolio.

Use that item as the inspiration for a 20 lined, free verse poem with at least 150 words

Remember, free verse poetry does not have a rhyme scheme or any particular structure but it should still make sense