Poetry: November 26, 2014 Issue [#6681]
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Poetry


 This week: The Gift of Poetry - Revised and Updated
  Edited by: Red Writing Hood <3 Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter



"A good poem creates a world that somehow touches the reader. That world is built of images that come to the reader through vivid sense details and the music of vivacious language."

Paul Janeczko



"A poem is a communication from one soul to another that makes one or both hearts sing."

Walter Mayes





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Letter from the editor



The Gift of Poetry (Revised and updated from my November 19, 2008 Poetry newsletter)




This weekend was my husband and my first anniversary. Since the first anniversary gift is paper, we decided to write each other a poem as our gift to each other. Even though we were both giving the same gift—a poem, we had different ideas on how to present this gift to each other.

Giving the gift of poetry is deeply personal, which translates into thoughtful gift giving. Anyone can grab a handful of gift cards and be done. It takes a lot to come up with the perfect poem and the perfect way to present it. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

There are three things you will need to focus on: the person the gift is for, the subject of the poem, and the way you will present your poem.


The Person Getting the Gift

This is obviously the most important part. You want to make this gift something they’ll love, cherish, use, or all three. Think about their hobbies, occupation, and style. If they are a secretary that collects frogs and gardens in their spare time, you have many options to go with. Some I can think of right away are frogs, flowers, and nature.


The Subject of the Poem

If you’ve already done the brainstorming I talked about above, then this part will be easier. You can create or select a poem about the person, about something they like, about the item you choose as your way of presenting your poem (which we will talk about in a moment), use their favorite poem, or a combination of any of these.


The Presentation of the Poetry

So, how are you going to present your gift of poetry? The classic option is to mat the poem and frame it in a style and color that will match their décor. However, I was never one to settle for classic if I could do something creatively.

Here are some unique ways to present your poem:

*Play with a photo program and integrate a picture with your poem.

*Select a shirt, hat, tote, or other clothing type item and pen your poem on it with fabric paints. Remember to read the directions to properly set your paint so your words will last as long as possible. You can also find iron on paper that you can put through your printer, if you don’t have a steady hand or like your handwriting.

*The following list of items can be written on in different ways (like paint pens, embroidered, printed up and then put in place with decoupage, etc.), so make sure you read your directions for safety, and find out when you need to use sealants to preserve your work. In the case of something your gift recipient might accidentally or prefer to eat off of or use with food, make sure you tell them if your medium is safe for this purpose. Some ceramic paints are safe and some are not, so be careful when choosing and let your recipient know.

***Mugs, plates, serving dishes, serving bowls
***Frames, signboards, wood cutouts in various shapes, tiles, and mirrors.
***Chairs, end tables, coffee tables, serving trays
***Flowerpots, pails, lamps and lampshades
***Make a necklace with a short poem that you write on the beads
***Piggy banks, ceramic figures, jewelry boxes, and more.

I came up with this list by taking a walk in my local craft store. There are numerous items that are blank and ready for decoration. For the larger table and chair items, getting them new might not be an affordable option. In this case, try your local thrift shop. Get a sturdy item there, clean it up, decorate it and then cover in a sealant. You could also choose to paint, varnish, or stain your item before you decorate if you aren’t happy with its current color.

Your poem might even reflect the object it is written on. For example, you might want to reflect and write about how your recipient might use the object: If I were to choose a serving tray for my grandmother because she enjoys cooking and sharing the treats she creates, I might create a poem that talks about cooking and sharing, or even a special time I remember eating those treats.

You can even go digital. My husband created a video that combined his poem and pictures of us during out first year together, and put it on a DVD. He also printed it out on paper in order to fulfill the traditional first anniversary present.

Have you ever created a photo book? Wal-Mart, Walgreens and other stores that have an online presence and offer photo services usually offer photo books that you can create and order online. They offer many sizes to fit most any budget. Just pair photos with your poem. You could also do this with a digital photo frame.

Whether you need to come up with creative gifts this year due to the economy, or you simply want to make your gifts personal; giving the gift of poetry can be something very special for both you and the one who is lucky enough to receive your poetic present.


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Editor's Picks



Theme: Gifts and giving

Image Protector
The Clock Maker's Gift Open in new Window. [ASR]
A timepiece or a piece of time?
by Kate - Writing & Reading Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 A Stranger's Gift Open in new Window. [ASR]
A stranger's gift is appreciated. (Cramp entry)
by phyduex Author Icon

 
Image Protector
Giving Thanks 14 lines Open in new Window. [E]
free verse
by Yellow Rose Author Icon

 
Image Protector
Rude Awakening Open in new Window. [E]
Giving waif eggs a home.
by Teargen Author Icon

 Haiku 0004 Open in new Window. [E]
Giving. Sister poem to "Receiving." To be read second.
by Stargazer ~ DavidtheDreamer Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 
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Ask & Answer



Have a question, answer, problem, solution, tip, trick, cheer, jeer, or extra million lying around?

If so, send it through the feedback section at the bottom of this newsletter OR click the little envelope next to my name Red Writing Hood <3 Author IconMail Icon and send it through email.


Comments on last month's newsletter:


By: Teerich - 2019 Author Icon
"Invalid ItemOpen in new Window.
Comment: I find your newsletters to be a fascinating source of information. I love the many different types of poetry forms to which you have introduced me. I love the challenge that each one brings. Thank you so much.


By: billwilcox
Comment: Thanks for featuring my poem "The Wondrous Christmas Tree"


By: monty31802
Comment: A very informative News Letter, you did a fine job.


By: Steve adding writing to ntbk. Author Icon
Comment: I was so impressed with your newsletter this time. I'm late in reading and reviewing the recipients of your attention this time. They were all remarkable and depicted the subject of your newsletter well. I use newsletters to read and garner reviewing material on a regular basis. So glad I saved yours in my email until I was able to work through it. Have a blessed Wednesday, Copenator out!


I'm so glad you all enjoy the Poetry newsletter, and learn new things from it. Thank you for letting me know. Each comment makes my day! Keep your feedback coming :D


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