Creative Writing Exercise #1:Translating Abstract Ideas to Concrete Images: Creating a Palette

Beginning poets often find it difficult to grasp how to translate abstract ideas into images. They may also wonder what to write a poem “about.” This exercise helps you assemble a “palette” of images and words. It gives you materials and content for a poem.

STAGE 1

Imagine you’re assembling an artist’s palette for use when you are composing poetry. Instead of squeezing dabs of the different coloured paint on a board, you are assembling words and images.

1. Use a simile or metaphor to describe red. For example, if I’d said “black” you might write “black as a crow’s wing.”

2. Now, find a more unusual image for red.3. Use a simile or metaphor to describe yellow. Try

for something you haven’t heard other people say.

4. Write an unusual image for blue.5. Now, see if you can find an image for green that

no one else may have noticed, or thought much about, even if they’ve seen it.

6. Use a simile or metaphor to describe a sharp or unpleasant smell.

7. And then describe a smell you remember from high school.

8. Use a simile or metaphor to describe a sound you associate with a close friend.

9. And then, to describe a sound that frightens you.10. Use a simile or metaphor to describe a taste you

remember from your early childhood.11. Now, create an image for a creepy touch.12. And then, a touch you find comforting.

STAGE 2

Now, add some other things to your palette:13. Write a scientific fact: any fact – how long it takes

a potato to cook, how many miles it is from the earth to the moon.

14. Write a saying – something people tell you, or one person often says – that is considered wise.

15. Name something you’ve lost – a person, place or quality.

16. List 3 to 5 creatures, imaginary or real.17. List 3 to 5 parts of the body.18. Write a one-word command (a verb in the

imperative).19. Write a phrase in another language.

STAGE 3

20. Now – write a poem about what you’ve lost using a selection of words and images from your palette.

21. You can add to your palette: you get the idea. Make it your own.

jane munro

[This exercise is based on one taught by Jane Hirschfield. I adapted it for the needs of an introductory poetry-writing class.]