Tabatha at The Opposite of Indifference is hosting today.
“Choose any word from the dictionary and read its definitions. Write a poem using only the language of these definitions. Try repeating them in different combinations and using line break to create unexpected phrases. Experiment with how far you can push the limits of the language you’re working with. Use the word you’ve chosen as the title of the poem.”
I tried the exercise myself with varied results. I tried it with my elementary gifted students. At first I was worried. It took a while for them to even choose a word. My favorite came from a third grader. I’m not sure how much of the original definition became a part of her poem, but I loved her play with language.
Fair
People say you’re the fairest of them all.
Of course they say that in fairy tales,
you know,
when a fairy comes to help the fair lady.
She’s not that fair.
She is wicked. She is cruel.
The real fairest of them all
comes to help, to defeat
that so-called fair queen.
That’s why they say
you’re only fair
in fairy tales.–Vannisa
Reflections on the Teche 
Love it! 🙂 I’m sorry that your comment didn’t come through this morning. Thanks for trying again!
I figured out the problem. I had to sign in on Google. Thanks for getting me on the list today. I am enjoying all the posts.
That is a great poem! I like that exercise too. It allows for exploration and variety.
Very cool prompt! And your student’s resulting poem is fun. Thanks for sharing. =)
Thanks for the wonderful link to the prompts. I might try them, Margaret. Sometimes I’m at a loss for ‘what’s next’! I’m so impressed with this young woman’s play with the language. Beautifully done & thoughtful about the fairy tales, too. Not fair!
Brilliant!
Love this idea. Am going to try it with students.