In my 'creative writing' poetry class today, my professor instructed this exercise, inspired by Kenneth Koch, that I found quite fun, and thought to share.
First get some paper, a clock, and a writing utensil, and perform the following steps. To encourage sharing your results, I will share mine, just out of curiosity, and, as some of you know, I do not post my own original poetry.
Poem #1: Warming Up
Write a long string of lines without stopping, and begin each one of the sentences with "I wish . . ." You need not make sense or unify your statements. Time this step for 2 minutes.
My examples:
I wish I could wish something witty,
like an Ambrose Bierce-like prose.
I wish in that ether of oceanic space, the gods
would at last share the virtue.
I wish the simplicity of architecture could somehow
transpass its alleged limits in yet another Renassaince.
I wish to sleep without the lucidity of a dream,
reflecting the blankness of a clear sky.
Poem #2: Still Warming Up
Write another long string of lines without stopping, and this time begin each line with the word "Once . . ." Time this step for another 2 minutes.
My examples:
Once a forest grew beyond the limits of nature's
man-made bounds as if directed by wind.
Once the moon darkened, blending with the bleak sky
that swallowed the stars like a gaping mouth eating pinholes.
Once I dreamt of paralysis.
Once the ground shook, but air remained still, and we shook,
breathing the calm wind.
Poem #3: Now We're Getting Warmer
This time in your line string, begin each line with "Now . . ." for one minute.
When done, write another string for an additional minute, beginning with "I remember . . ." lines.
My examples:
Now the clouds settle near the ground that fog the eyes
like smoke rising above burning forests.
Now the great below swallow light
where fascinating creatures lurk.
I remember when the air breathed easily,
or, rather, a great air breathed one in.
I remember drowning.
I remember climbing a tree that I thought reached the heavens,
like a natural Tower of Babel.
Poem #4: Lying
Write a collection of statements, each of which is a lie. Write non-stop for 2 minutes.
My examples:
I have never told a lie.
I was never afraid of water.
Tomorrow the sun will not rise, but will set.
Yesterday seems equivalent to years ago.
I like immodest people.
The ocean drops into space at the Mariana Trench.
Never has anyone written something influential.
Poem #5: Words
List eight common concrete (tangible) nouns in one column, and eight corresponding, unrelated active, present-tense verbs in another column, then draw random lines, connecting one noun per every one verb.
My example, lined together:
Iridescence lands.
Fuschia saddens.
Literature drowns.
Teacup sways.
Clouds wander.
River glows.
Waves drink.
Hands evolve.
So, how did you do?
