Entry # 11 Free Verse A free verse poem is an OPEN poem.

Therefore it does not follow any patterns or rhyme scheme (ABAAB). As a result, when it is read out loud it often follows similar patterns to regular speech.

Example of a Free Verse Poem:

Fog by Carl Sandburg The fog comes on little cat feet.

It sits looking over harbor and city on silent haunches and then moves on.

Disappointments by Vivian Gilbert Zabel Every life has a room where memories are stored: A box of special occasions here, Shelves of shared laughter there.

But back in the shadows Lurks a trunk locked tight, Not to be opened and searched. There hide disappointments Which darken every heart.

The poet attempts to describe his/her subject with language that shows, not tells. For example, instead of writing " We had so much fun today.", the poet would write "They wore smiles all the way home." The idea being that a grinning face is more descriptive of the fun they had. It also leaves a stronger impression with the reader. Free verse poetry tries to capture images , convey meaning ,or emotions through the use of lyrical phrases that will get the poet's message across without a lot of telling. Free verse poets use figurative language devices such as metaphors, similes, and personification to create these phrases. Assignment: Write a free verse poem describing your Spring Break or an event that occurred over Spring Break. The poem should be approximately 10 lines long (not

every line can be just one word!) Be reasonable. Please include a title. Due: Wednesday April 2nd (be prepared to share!)