Join the Tuesday Slice of Life
Inspired by other slicers today (one was inspired by a billboard, the other by Hallmark magnets), I decided to write about a book I am reading. The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman is a beautiful novel set on Masada two thousand years ago. Written from the point of view of 4 women, it is rich in historical and mystical details. One of the exercises I enjoy doing with my students when they are reading a novel is a “found” poem. Using the text of the book, the writer finds a poem. Using Alice Hoffman’s beautiful language, I found this poem:
The Dovekeepers
People say our mother walked on water.
She traded rubies for a boat.
Pure, elemental, hot to the touch
given by your father’s blood.
A storm rose like stones
set out to block our way.
Our mother saw our destiny
saying water will heal
and protect us.
Mountains became our vision.
Our journey scented with fire and metal,
I could hear the beating
heart of the world,
the center of creation.
Our mother released the doves.
Those winged creatures
rise upward.
(Borrowed words from pages 293-294 of The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman)
Reflections on the Teche 
What an interesting idea. I like this process of using the author’s words and repurposing them into poem. I am sure it intensifies meaning. I will have to try it as many beautiful words are passing by me as I read this summer.
Now I NEED to read this book! How amazing to find a poem that way.
Wonderful idea!! I have to remember this come September! I will also be looking for the novel–maybe online lending library!
I would love to try my hand at this with a middle grade book that I just finished and filled with turquoise sticky notes. I’ll have to put it in SIFL (slice ideas for later) file. Actually, my latest strategy is to start a draft on my blog and then when I see it, it reminds me to try it out. My favorite lines – ” I could hear the beating heart of the world, the center of creation.”