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This week: Writing Poetry About Historical Events Edited by: Crys-not really here  
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Welcome! My name is Crys-not really here and I am happy to be the guest editor for the Poetry Newsletter this week.  |
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Writing Poetry About Historical Events
Poetry is probably one of the most versatile genres a writer can experiment with. A poem can be based on true events, made up of total lies, or written as truth disguised as lies.
Although all poems aren't necessarily about real events, some of the most powerful poetry I have read have been based on well-known historical event. A historical poem can be a powerful reminder of an event shared by thousands or millions. Take, for example, all of the poems that came out of the 9/11 tragedy, such as "The Names" by Billy Collins:
Yesterday, I lay awake in the palm of the night.
A soft rain stole in, unhelped by any breeze,
And when I saw the silver glaze on the windows,
I started with A, with Ackerman, as it happened,
Then Baxter and Calabro,
Davis and Eberling, names falling into place
As droplets fell through the dark.
Names printed on the ceiling of the night.
Names slipping around a watery bend.
Twenty-six willows on the banks of a stream...
Historical poems can also give the reader a glimpse at an opposite point of view. For example, a well-written persona poem written from the point of view of Hitler may help a reader see the Holocaust in a different light, change his or her opinion on a particular event, or even sympathize with him. A well-written persona poem written from the point of view of a Holocaust survivor could have a similar effect on the reader. One of poetry's most important roles is to help us break out of our comfort zones, and historical poetry can do just that.
Think of an historical event that you enjoy researching. For me, that would be the sinking of the Titanic and the Holocaust. Then, try one of the following exercises to get your poetry juices flowing!
 Write from the POV of an important historical figure during that time.
Write from the POV of an "average" person living during that time.
Write an ode to a hero who lived during that time.
Write a poem as if that historical event had never occurred.
Write an epic poem (similar to the Illiad or Gilgamesh) about the historical event.
Find out what forms or styles of poetry were written during that time period and write a poem in that style.
Take a famous quote from that time period and use it as the first line of a poem.
Feel free to submit your historic poems to the newsletter, along with a note to tell me what inspired it, and it may appear in my next poetry newsletter. |
Many of the poems I chose this week contain historical or personal references. Enjoy!
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Thanks to everyone who commented on my last Poetry newsletter, with the topic of introducing poetry to kids and teens. It was nice to see comments about the teachers who inspired you to write!
I want to sing the praises of Mr. Irving Fritch. He was a Junior High School English teacher fighting to teach a bunch of ghetto kids respect for poetry. Shakespear, no less. We hated it, made fun of it, refused to read it. But, he had a trick up his sleeve and took us to see Hamlet on stage. That did it! We all loved Willie the Shakes (as we all called him) after that. Smart guy. I've loved poetry ever since. -bertiebrite hoping for peace 
Your article is an insight of how poetry gets created. I started writing poems after becoming a member of WDC taking inspiration from the words of other poets that touched my heart. -saheli
A lot said in a few words, the essence of poetry.
A fine newsletter. -monty31802 |
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Poetry: January 25, 2012 Issue [#4801]
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