List Poems

Post your poem here as a comment before class next Wednesday.

Note that the original, "Possibilities," is 39 lines (but only 31 begin with "I prefer"). Your poem should be a minimum of 32 lines (remember that lines and sentences are not the same thing in a poem).

It is possible for you to "bend" the lines a bit to suit your own poem/poetry. Thus, a line like the one about Dickens/Dostoevsky could become: "I prefer Lady Gaga to Michael Buble" or if you'd like to use alliteration you might say, "I prefer Metallica to Madonna." In this way, you still express a preference that characterizes the speaker (most often that will be you).

Also, please remember that some of the lines are parts of a sentence (two lines equal one sentence). This helps to break up the pattern a bit. Be aware of this and do the same, although you may choose to do it in slightly different spots.

Here is a copy of our samples  if you'd like to write your list poem with a sample poem on the split screen view in Word.

A Favourite Stanza of Poetry

Choose a favourite stanza and share it here. Explain why you like it and point out any poetic devices like simile or metaphor or rhyme. Bring a copy to class on Friday.

If you have no personal favourites, try to find one at the links below. Remember to choose something that reflects good practice (as in our top ten list from today).

Weekly Poems at Slate.com

Canadian Poetry Online (list of poets by name with links to poems)

Poetry Daily (a new poem every day)