Coincidentally, I have already written a poem this month that follows today’s suggestion from the napowrimo website, to write an abecedarian, a poem that uses the alphabet as some key feature of its form. If you haven’t seen it already, here’s a linky-link. It turned out nicely, I think.
Since my intern Max is teaching the 9th graders today how to write a found poem, that’s what I have chosen today. Here’s how Barbara Drake defines a found poem: “The term found describes a text lifted out of some original context and arranged to give the appearance, form, or sound we associate with poetry. The found material is thrown into new, possibly amusing or ironic light by this rearrangement . . . Generally, one may not add words to, or otherwise unfairly distort, the original. The finder may, however, edit the original. He or she can, for example, add a title, or lineate the words on the page for emphasis or rhythm.” My text comes from the liner notes on the back cover of Slim Whitman’s Just for You album, and, I’ve taken some liberties with Drake’s definition, specifically, by changing all of this ad text into a first person lyric.
A Living Legend on Two Continents
I’ve heard him on t.v. I’ve
thrilled to the exclusive money
saving offer below, the magic
of this living legend, on two
continents, this special
treasury. Only he
can sing my cherished
number one record in England.
Not available anywhere else
in the entire U.S.A.
When my blue moon
turns to roses, there goes
my everything, somewhere
my love sails along my
happiness, rambling, more
than 1,400,000 sold on t.v.
Millions of Americans are
falling in love, beautifully,
tenderly, sweeping America
for more weeks than even Elvis,
and the words to most of the
songs are included free.
Old Time piano music never
sounded so good. Make the
world go away. Exclusive
8-track tapes, $9.98, the sweetest
music this side of heaven.
These are the 50 songs
I will always love.
michael jarmer 