Our group project this month was a form — The Skinny Poem — and it’s a good thing, too. In these days of open-endedness, it can really help to have a puzzle to solve, a container to fill, a model to follow.
Yes, even when being creative.
As some of you know, I’ve been writing a haiku every day this month, in honor of National Poetry Month. It’s an annual affair for me, but wow did I cling to it like a life raft this year. This daily assignment that gave me both room to breathe and rules to follow.
So, speaking of rules, here’s the scoop on The Skinny Poem:
Eleven lines long.
The first and last line use the same words, although they may be re-arranged.
Every other line is made up of single words only, with repeating words on lines 2, 6 and 10.
I know. Math. Nevermind all that for now. For me what is funny (after all this talk of liking plans) is that all of my poems are but the push-pull of going by the book vs. going by the gut… of openness vs. answers… of leadership vs. resistance. (No surprise there, but sill. Funny.) Anyway, here are a few Skinny Poems, and then links to more below.
A Skinny Question
Liz Garton Scanlon
Which is greater, knowledge or
curiosity
(doesn’t
kill
cats)
curiosity
opens
windowed
hearts
curiosity
which is knowledge, or greater
A Skinny Equation
Liz Garton Scanlon
You want to think
answers
all
add
up
answers
can
be
proven
answers
you want to think
A Skinny Map
Liz Garton Scanlon
Maps followed or
ignored
like
horoscopes
exalted
ignored
like
leaders
revered
ignored
or followed, maps.
Here are…
Tricia’s
Andi’s
Tanita’s
Sara’s
Kelly’s
Laura’s
Rebecca’s
And sooo much more poetry at Poetry Friday, here!
Stay safe and well, friends….
I love the way you played with this, Liz. I think your first one, the Skinny Question, works really well! Unexpected but lovely.
You outdid yourself! Wow, I really love all three, but the first one – the question is really profound on both ends. These are great.
I think skinny poems are challenging! I love the thought of curiosity opening windowed hearts.
Whenever I have to “describe myself in one word” I usually choose “curious.” Maybe that’s why I love your Skinny Question. You’ve captured the playfulness and the deep thought possible in this form. Well-done!
I really like these, especially the map skinny and the references to things to follow and ignore.
Wow! Three thought-provoking skinnys. It’s amazing how much can be conveyed in so few words.
I really like the spiral of the first one. So many ideas twisted into that little form! You’ve done an excellent job of playing with this. I have enjoyed your daily haiku on FB too.