Poetry VocabularyPoetry VocabularyProseProse-Opposite of poetry, paragraph form-Opposite of poetry, paragraph formFormula poetryFormula poetry -Poems that must follow -Poems that must follow

certain guidelines (and, most of the time, a certain guidelines (and, most of the time, a certain rhyme scheme) to be classified as a certain rhyme scheme) to be classified as a particular kind of poemparticular kind of poem

CinquainCinquain-Five line poem in which each line requires a certain number of syllables (1st line-2, 2nd line-4, 3rd line-6, 4th line-8, 5th line-2)

Limerick-Funny poem with rhyme scheme of aabba

Haiku-Japanese nature poem of three unrhymed lines (syllables in lines-1-5, 2-7, 3-5)

Poetry VocabularyPoetry Vocabulary Rhyme SchemeRhyme Scheme-Pattern made by how poem -Pattern made by how poem

rhymes at the end of a line-letters assigned to lines rhymes at the end of a line-letters assigned to lines according to end rhymeaccording to end rhyme

AlliterationAlliteration-Repetition of the same sounds at the -Repetition of the same sounds at the beginning of words in a poem (ex. My mom made beginning of words in a poem (ex. My mom made my Monday more magnificent.)my Monday more magnificent.)

OnomatopoeiaOnomatopoeia-Words that imitate sounds (ex. pow, -Words that imitate sounds (ex. pow, bang, pop)bang, pop)

EnjambmentEnjambment-Continuation of a complete -Continuation of a complete thought/idea from one line to the nextthought/idea from one line to the next

CoupletCouplet-Pair of lines that are the same length and -Pair of lines that are the same length and usually rhymeusually rhyme

QuatrainQuatrain-Stanza/poem of four lines

Poetry VocabularyPoetry Vocabulary ConsonanceConsonance-Repetition of consonants in a line-not -Repetition of consonants in a line-not

at the beginning (ex. at the beginning (ex. SSue waue wass pa passssing Art claing Art classss.).) AssonanceAssonance-Repetition of the same sounds in a line -Repetition of the same sounds in a line

(ex. (ex. SaulSaul was filled with was filled with aweawe over Mardi over Mardi GrasGras.).) End RhymeEnd Rhyme-How poem rhymes at the ends of lines-How poem rhymes at the ends of lines StanzaStanza-Lines of poetry that form a division in the -Lines of poetry that form a division in the

poempoem StressStress-Syllables stand out because they have a -Syllables stand out because they have a

different pitch or are louder than other syllablesdifferent pitch or are louder than other syllables AccentAccent-Emphasis given to a syllable or word -Emphasis given to a syllable or word

shown by a small mark above stressed syllable shown by a small mark above stressed syllable

Poetry VocabularyPoetry VocabularyMeterMeter-Arrangement of a line of poetry by the -Arrangement of a line of poetry by the

rhythm of stressed and unstressed syllablesrhythm of stressed and unstressed syllables IdiomIdiom-Words are not meant to be taken word -Words are not meant to be taken word

for word (ex. You are pulling my leg.)for word (ex. You are pulling my leg.)LiteralLiteral -Words are meant to be taken word for -Words are meant to be taken word for

word word ToneTone-Emotion or feelings author felt or wants -Emotion or feelings author felt or wants

audience to feel while reading poem (aka audience to feel while reading poem (aka mood)mood)

Figurative LanguageFigurative Language -Expressions used to -Expressions used to create memorable poems (ex. idioms, create memorable poems (ex. idioms, alliteration, onomatopoeia)alliteration, onomatopoeia)

““I Can’t Write a Poem” poemI Can’t Write a Poem” poemForget it.Forget it.You must be kidding.You must be kidding.I’m still half asleep.I’m still half asleep.My eyes keep closing.My eyes keep closing.My brain isn’t working.My brain isn’t working.I don’t have a pencil.I don’t have a pencil.I don’t have any paper.I don’t have any paper.My desk is wobbly.My desk is wobbly.I don’t know what to write about.I don’t know what to write about.And besides, I don’t even know how to write a poem.And besides, I don’t even know how to write a poem.I’ve got a headache. I need to see the nurse.I’ve got a headache. I need to see the nurse.Time’s up? Uh oh!Time’s up? Uh oh!All I have is this dumb list of excuses.All I have is this dumb list of excuses.You like it? Really? No kidding.You like it? Really? No kidding.Thanks a lot.Thanks a lot.Would you like to see another one.Would you like to see another one.-Bruce Lansky-Bruce Lansky

Kidnapped By Shel SilversteinKidnapped By Shel SilversteinThis morning I got kidnappedThis morning I got kidnappedBy three masked men.By three masked men.They stopped me on the sidewalk,They stopped me on the sidewalk,And offered me some candy,And offered me some candy,And when I wouldn’t take itAnd when I wouldn’t take itThey grabbed me by the collar,They grabbed me by the collar,And pinned my arms behind me,And pinned my arms behind me,And shoved me in the backseatAnd shoved me in the backseatOf this big black limousine andOf this big black limousine andTied my hands behind my backTied my hands behind my backWith sharp and rusty wire.With sharp and rusty wire.Then they put a blindfold on myThen they put a blindfold on mySo I couldn’t see where they took me,So I couldn’t see where they took me,And plugged up my ears with cottonAnd plugged up my ears with cottonSo I couldn’t hear their voices.So I couldn’t hear their voices.

And drove for 20 miles orAnd drove for 20 miles orAt least for 20 minutes, and thenAt least for 20 minutes, and thenDragged me from the car down toDragged me from the car down toSome cold and moldy basement,Some cold and moldy basement,Where they stuck me in a cornerWhere they stuck me in a cornerAnd went off to get the ransomAnd went off to get the ransomLeaving one of them to guard meLeaving one of them to guard meWith a shotgun pointed at me,With a shotgun pointed at me,Tied up sitting on a stool…Tied up sitting on a stool…That’s why I’m late for school!That’s why I’m late for school!

Kidnapped By Shel Silverstein (cont’d)Kidnapped By Shel Silverstein (cont’d)

Irritating SayingsIrritating SayingsIsn’t it about time you thought about bed?Isn’t it about time you thought about bed?It must be somewhereIt must be somewhereYou speak to him Harold, he won’t listen to me.You speak to him Harold, he won’t listen to me.Who do you think I am?Who do you think I am?You’d better ask your fatherYou’d better ask your fatherIt’s late enough as it isIt’s late enough as it isDon’t eat with your mouth open.Don’t eat with your mouth open.In this day and age In this day and age Did anybody ask your opinionDid anybody ask your opinionI remember when I was a boyI remember when I was a boyAnd after all we do for youAnd after all we do for youYou’re not talking to your school friends now, you knowYou’re not talking to your school friends now, you knowWhy don’t you do it the proper wayWhy don’t you do it the proper wayI’m only trying to tell youI’m only trying to tell youWhat did I just say?What did I just say?Now, wrap up warmNow, wrap up warm

B-E-D spells bedB-E-D spells bedSit up straight and don’t gobble your foodSit up straight and don’t gobble your foodFor the five hundredth timeFor the five hundredth timeDon’t let me ever see you do that againDon’t let me ever see you do that againHave you made your bed?Have you made your bed?Can’t you look further than your nose?Can’t you look further than your nose?No more lipNo more lipHave you done your homework?Have you done your homework?Because I say soBecause I say soDon’t come those fancy ways hereDon’t come those fancy ways hereAny more and you’ll be in bedAny more and you’ll be in bedMy, haven’t you grownMy, haven’t you grownSome day I won’t be here, then you’ll seeSome day I won’t be here, then you’ll seeA chair’s for sitting onA chair’s for sitting onYou shouldn’t need telling at your ageYou shouldn’t need telling at your ageWant, want, want, that’s all you ever sayWant, want, want, that’s all you ever say

Irritating Sayings (cont’d)Irritating Sayings (cont’d)

Rhyme SchemeRhyme SchemePattern of rhyme in a stanza or poem. Pattern of rhyme in a stanza or poem.

You can identify the rhyme scheme in You can identify the rhyme scheme in stanzas by looking at the last word in the stanzas by looking at the last word in the line and assigning letters to the rhyming line and assigning letters to the rhyming wordswords

Example:Example:

Like the sun behind the cloudsLike the sun behind the clouds AA

Like the darkness of the nightLike the darkness of the night BB

Like the grass beneath the treesLike the grass beneath the treesCC

You stepped into the light…You stepped into the light… BB

Rhyme Scheme PracticeRhyme Scheme Practice

1.1.

I knew I’d have to grow up sometime,I knew I’d have to grow up sometime, ____________

That my childhood memories would end,That my childhood memories would end, ____________

But a spark within me died,But a spark within me died, ____________

When I lost my imaginary friend. When I lost my imaginary friend. ____________

2.2.

As the sun set and the moon came,As the sun set and the moon came, ______ ______

I looked out the window in dread and shame.I looked out the window in dread and shame. ______ ______

The sound of birds rose from the sky,The sound of birds rose from the sky, ______ ______

I waved my hand and bid goodbye.I waved my hand and bid goodbye. ______ ______

3.3.When I look into his eyes,When I look into his eyes, ____________I see the deep blue sea.I see the deep blue sea. ____________I hope my love never dies,I hope my love never dies, ____________That he’ll always be there for me.That he’ll always be there for me. ____________

4.4.And here ends the sagaAnd here ends the saga ____________Of writers who have grown.Of writers who have grown. ____________We’re successful authors,We’re successful authors, ____________Now we will be unknown.Now we will be unknown. ____________

Rhyme Scheme PracticeRhyme Scheme Practice

Painting Word PicturesPainting Word Pictures

1.1. Frost on the Frost on the windowwindow

2.2. JetJet

3.3. KiteKite

4.4. SkyscraperSkyscraper

5.5. Small childSmall child

A.A. Towering giant hovering Towering giant hovering above its subjectsabove its subjects

B.B. Fragile plant sprouting Fragile plant sprouting from the earth seeking from the earth seeking attentionattention

C.C. A lace curtain made of A lace curtain made of silver threadsilver thread

D.D. Howling monster ripping Howling monster ripping apart everything in his apart everything in his wayway

E.E. Swirly lines of whipped Swirly lines of whipped creamcream

Write Small/FocusedWrite Small/Focused

Big/unfocused imageBig/unfocused imageBirthday parties Birthday parties

are fun.are fun.

School dances are School dances are strange.strange.

The holocaust was The holocaust was inhuman.inhuman.

Small/focused imageSmall/focused imageLicking the pink Licking the pink

frosting off the frosting off the ends of the ends of the candlescandles

Strobe lights Strobe lights flickering over flickering over laughing faces as laughing faces as the beat pounds onthe beat pounds on

A mountain of A mountain of children’s shoeschildren’s shoes

Now, you turn these big images Now, you turn these big images into small images.into small images.

His car was a mess.His car was a mess.The food did not look good.The food did not look good.The dog was mean.The dog was mean.Her shoes did not fit.Her shoes did not fit.

Image PracticeImage Practice

Directions: Read each sentence. Write yourDirections: Read each sentence. Write your

response for each question by giving as manyresponse for each question by giving as many

descriptions as possible.descriptions as possible.

1.1. How would you describe how you feel when How would you describe how you feel when you are angry?you are angry?

2.2. Describe how you feel after winning a game.Describe how you feel after winning a game.

3.3. Describe the odor of rotting garbage.Describe the odor of rotting garbage.

4.4. Describe the scent left after a rainfall.Describe the scent left after a rainfall.

5.5. Describe the feeling of walking on hot sand on Describe the feeling of walking on hot sand on the beach.the beach.

Mood/VoiceMood/VoiceRequest to a Minstrel by Andrea CoxRequest to a Minstrel by Andrea Cox

Sing unto me a song of seasonsSing unto me a song of seasons

Of death, rebirth, and happiness.Of death, rebirth, and happiness.

Sing unto me a song of reasonsSing unto me a song of reasons

Staid thoughts and deepest contemplations.Staid thoughts and deepest contemplations.

Sing unto me a song of sorrowsSing unto me a song of sorrows

Quiet longing and dark despair.Quiet longing and dark despair.

Then, sing unto me a song of tomorrowsThen, sing unto me a song of tomorrows

Of joy and laughterOf joy and laughter

Tarry longest there.Tarry longest there.

Mood/VoiceMood/VoiceLike, Am I Noticed, by Mike GelangerLike, Am I Noticed, by Mike Gelanger

I kind of got my hands onI kind of got my hands onOne of those slickOne of those slickLeather jacketsLeather jacketsAnd a mean sort ofAnd a mean sort ofCool brown hatCool brown hatI was justI was justKind ofKind ofWalking down the streetWalking down the streetSort ofSort ofMinding my businessMinding my businessI felt likeI felt likeYou know, this…You know, this…Urge to be noticed, Urge to be noticed, Kind ofKind of

I sort of casually walkedI sort of casually walkedDown the streetDown the streetYou knowYou knowTo the cornerTo the cornerThis group ofThis group ofLikeLikeKind of like cool kids wereKind of like cool kids wereSort of thereSort of there I like slipped by inI like slipped by inKind of like a Kind of like a Cool mannerCool mannerI sort of wonderedI sort of wonderedLikeLikeIf they noticed meIf they noticed me

Mood/VoiceMood/VoiceLike, Am I Noticed, by Mike GelangerLike, Am I Noticed, by Mike Gelanger

I kind of turned aroundI kind of turned around

Only to find them likeOnly to find them like

Laughing at meLaughing at me

I wasI was

Sort of likeSort of like

Really embarrassed kind ofReally embarrassed kind of

I kind of, likeI kind of, like

You knowYou know

Went homeWent home

Mood/VoiceMood/VoiceLike, Am I Noticed, by Mike GelangerLike, Am I Noticed, by Mike Gelanger

Cinquain PoemCinquain Poem

A five-line poem with a set number of A five-line poem with a set number of syllables for each line. Each line adds an syllables for each line. Each line adds an additional image to the subject of the additional image to the subject of the poempoem

Formula poemFormula poem

Cinquain FormulaCinquain Formula Line 1Line 1 2 syllables2 syllables Subject Subject Line 2Line 2 4 syllables4 syllables Description of Description of

subjectsubject Line 3Line 3 6 syllables6 syllables Describes an action Describes an action Line 4Line 4 8 syllables8 syllables Expresses a feeling Expresses a feeling Line 5Line 5 2 syllables2 syllables Another word for Another word for

subject subjectExampleExampleSummerSummer

Fruits, ice cream, funFruits, ice cream, funSwimming, playing, laughingSwimming, playing, laughing

No homework, only sun, I smileNo homework, only sun, I smileThree monthsThree months

Simile PoemSimile PoemPrejudice by Kimberly HarmonPrejudice by Kimberly Harmon

Prejudice is like the feeling you getPrejudice is like the feeling you get

When you’re left out of a gameWhen you’re left out of a game

It is like the music ofIt is like the music of

A seashell: hollow and distantA seashell: hollow and distant

It’s when you never reach the front door;It’s when you never reach the front door;

Always being turned away at the first step.Always being turned away at the first step.

Metaphor Line-by-Line PoemMetaphor Line-by-Line PoemThe Highwayman by Alfred Noyes (excerpt)The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes (excerpt)

The wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees,The wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees,The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas,The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas,The road was a ribbon of moonlight over the purple moor,The road was a ribbon of moonlight over the purple moor,And the highwayman came riding-And the highwayman came riding-

Riding-riding-Riding-riding-The highwayman came riding, up to the old inn door.The highwayman came riding, up to the old inn door.

Simile Line-by-Line ExampleSimile Line-by-Line ExampleDream Deferred by Langston HughesDream Deferred by Langston HughesWhat happens to a dream deferred?What happens to a dream deferred?Does it dry upDoes it dry upLike a raisin in the sun?Like a raisin in the sun?Or fester like a sore-Or fester like a sore-And then run?And then run?Does it stink like rotten meat?Does it stink like rotten meat?Or crust and sugar over-Or crust and sugar over-Like a syrupy sweet?Like a syrupy sweet?Maybe it just sags like a heavy load.Maybe it just sags like a heavy load.Or does it explode?Or does it explode?

Line-by-Line MetaphorLine-by-Line Metaphor

Hate is a sore, festering and bubbling on the heartHate is a sore, festering and bubbling on the heart

Hate is a single-leafed tree, its owner weak and aloneHate is a single-leafed tree, its owner weak and alone

Hate is a wilted rose, time has worn it from beauty to Hate is a wilted rose, time has worn it from beauty to wretchednesswretchedness

Hate is a zit, ready to burstHate is a zit, ready to burst

Hate is the Hulk, small when calm, huge and fierce when Hate is the Hulk, small when calm, huge and fierce when agitatedagitated

Hate is a snake, it swallows its enemies wholeHate is a snake, it swallows its enemies whole

Hate is a birthday party, it can take you by surpriseHate is a birthday party, it can take you by surprise

Hate is a tree, it stands the test of timeHate is a tree, it stands the test of time

Hate is a rubber band, it will snap when pulled too hardHate is a rubber band, it will snap when pulled too hard

Hate is a deadly disease, something you don’t want to catchHate is a deadly disease, something you don’t want to catch

Metaphor PoemsMetaphor Poems

Metaphor PoemsMetaphor PoemsExtended MetaphorExtended Metaphor

Hate is a zitHate is a zit

Earned by debris, dirt, oil, grimeEarned by debris, dirt, oil, grime

Kicked into a faceKicked into a face

By a filthy worldBy a filthy world

It begins beneath the surfaceIt begins beneath the surface

Then pokes out its disgusting headThen pokes out its disgusting head

Makes the face turn redMakes the face turn red

And grows and growsAnd grows and grows

Until finallyUntil finally

It explodesIt explodes

AlliterationAlliterationCCafeteria afeteria CChaoshaos

The The lline ine llingers,ingers,

My stomach growls.My stomach growls.

TTina ina ttopples her opples her ttray,ray,

And the And the whwhole place ole place hhowls!owls!

SpSpinach inach spspills!ills!

PPass the ass the ppaper towels!aper towels!

Someone Someone ppings a ings a ppea,ea,

And the And the ffifth grade teacher ifth grade teacher ffrowns!rowns!

What’s What’s llikely at ikely at llunch?unch?

Everyone Everyone chchomps and omps and chchows down!ows down!

LimerickLimerick

Formula PoemFormula PoemHumorous Humorous 5 lines total5 lines totalRhyme Scheme AABBARhyme Scheme AABBABeats-Lines 1, 2, 5 have 3 beatsBeats-Lines 1, 2, 5 have 3 beats

Lines 3-4 have 2 beatsLines 3-4 have 2 beatsFirst line usually has the name of a place First line usually has the name of a place

(often a fictional name made up to rhyme (often a fictional name made up to rhyme with the rest of the poem)with the rest of the poem)

Onomatopoeia PoemOnomatopoeia PoemWhat Some People DoWhat Some People Do

Jibber, jabber, gabble, babbleJibber, jabber, gabble, babbleCackle, clack, and prate,Cackle, clack, and prate,Twiddle, twaddle, mutter, stutterTwiddle, twaddle, mutter, stutterUtter, splutter, blate…Utter, splutter, blate…

Chatter, patter, tattle, prattle,Chatter, patter, tattle, prattle,Chew the rag and crack,Chew the rag and crack,Spiel and spout and spit it out,Spiel and spout and spit it out,Tell the world and quack…Tell the world and quack…

Sniffle, snuffle, drawl and bawl,Sniffle, snuffle, drawl and bawl,Snicker, snort, and snap,Snicker, snort, and snap,Bark and buzz and yap and yelp,Bark and buzz and yap and yelp,Chin and chip and chat…Chin and chip and chat…

Shout and shoot and gargle, gasp,Shout and shoot and gargle, gasp,

Gab and gag and groan,Gab and gag and groan,

Hem and haw and work the jaw,Hem and haw and work the jaw,

Grumble, mumble, moan…Grumble, mumble, moan…

Beef and bellyache and bat,Beef and bellyache and bat,

Say a mouthful, squawk,Say a mouthful, squawk,

That is what some people doThat is what some people do

When they merely talk.When they merely talk.

Onomatopoeia PoemOnomatopoeia PoemWhat Some People Do (cont’d)What Some People Do (cont’d)

Consonance and AssonanceConsonance and Assonance

ConsonanceConsonance-Repetition of consonants -Repetition of consonants in a line-not at the beginning (ex. in a line-not at the beginning (ex. SSue ue wawass pa passssing Art claing Art classss.).)

AssonanceAssonance-Repetition of the same -Repetition of the same sounds in a line (ex. sounds in a line (ex. SaulSaul was filled with was filled with aweawe over Mardi over Mardi GrasGras.).)