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Penning the Powerful SLAM Poem

Penning the Powerful SLAM Poem. Mr. Romero 2008-2009. Essentials . Your poem MUST engage AND entertain the audience Follow time-tested poetic principles Proper use of poetic devices. Concrete vs.. Abstract writing. Seeing is believing

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Penning the Powerful SLAM Poem

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  1. Penning the Powerful SLAM Poem Mr. Romero 2008-2009

  2. Essentials • Your poem MUST engage AND entertain the audience • Follow time-tested poetic principles • Proper use of poetic devices

  3. Concrete vs.. Abstract writing • Seeing is believing • Use words/phrases that project vivid images, actions, sounds, and other sensations

  4. Abstract language • Stuff we have a “generalized idea” of what it means • Greed • Intelligence • Love • We know what they mean, sort of, but can you smell intelligence? Can you touch greed? Can you taste love?

  5. Example of Abstract language“And I thought of industrialization,subjecting its workers to possible disfigurementas they worked near machines on the assembly line”

  6. Examples of concrete language“and I thought of my brother down at the popsicle factory, put his hand on a guardrail as a two-ton punch presswhistled millimeters from his fingers.”-from “Sirens at the Mill,” by Lisa Buscani

  7. Examples of concrete language“as they let the musicinvade their nervous systemlike and armada marching throughfiring cannonballsdetonating every molecule in their bodies”-from “Beethoven,” by Shane Koyczan

  8. Flaccid Phrasing • Poetry is stronger when it is written in ACTIVE voice. • A phrase should NOT lie lifeless like a corpse. • It should “punch the audience in the gut, grab it by the collar, or whisper seductively into its ear.”

  9. Composing dynamic poetry • Two basic rules • Avoid the “passive voice” • Avoid “weak” words • Passive voice places no one in charge of the action. • “The apple was shot off Johnny’s head.” • WHO DID THE SHOOTING?!

  10. Composing dynamic poetry • Active voice names the perpetrator • Weak words such as “is” and “are” lay on the beach like pale weaklings waiting for Mr. Universe to kick sand in their faces. • YOU WANT WORDS WITH MUSCLE!!!

  11. Active Passive • “There are thirteen ghosts in the house.” • “Thirteen ghosts pillaged the house like an L.A. mob.”

  12. Which of these stanzas are in the active voice and which are passive? Rewrite the passive stanzas to make them active. • It is time that takes hope from us and turns the face of tomorrow dark. • There are negative experiences that will not let my mind race. • Blow North Wind! Fury foul the tide and wrap the shore with froth and brine.

  13. Exercise • Rewrite the following sentences using CONCRETE language • Hunger affects the population of many minor countries. • Some creatures entered into her dreams. • Attaining one’s goals brings happiness.

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