To illustrate how a found poem works, I took a favorite Psalm from the Bible and did the following:
1. I copied words, phrases, or verses from the
psalm that I really loved unto a sheet of paper, one example per line, then I
cut them into movable pieces with a pair of scissors.
2. In
a found poem, you are not allowed to add or change ANYTHING; you can only work
with the words, phrases, or verses you have chosen. You cannot punctuate
differently or add punctuation where it might be needed, but you can repeat
words, phrases, or verses to create a refrain or make transitions or to
emphasize images. It will look very
“modern.”
3. I
took my bits of paper and moved them into different positions, paring phrases down
to single words if necessary and creating line breaks where I wanted.
It is always best to show an example so below
is my version of Psalm 91. I hope it inspires you to try your hand at a found
poem. Happy April is Poetry Month!
Psalm 91: I Will Be With You
I will protect those who know my name
You will not fear the terror of the night
I will be with them
When they call me, I will answer them
command
angels
find
refuge
bear
you up
no evil shall befall you
guard you in all ways
from
the snare of the fowler
You will tread on the lion and the adder
You will not fear the terror of the night.
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