A Poem Made from What Is Already There
Rearrange words from printed scraps into a small found poem.
Time: 15–25 minutes
Choose scrap packaging or printed paper with several readable words. Tear out words or short phrases; scissors and glue are optional.
What you need
- scrap paper
Optional supplies
- scissors
- glue
Try this idea
- Scan your printed scraps and choose five to eight words or short phrases that catch your attention.
- Tear around them, leaving plenty of space so the words remain readable.
- Arrange them into two or three short lines. Move the pieces until you find an interesting connection.
- Read your poem and leave it loose, or save the pieces together for another arrangement.
A smaller version
Point to three words and read them in a new order without tearing.
A good place to stop
A two-line poem made from three words is enough.
Make it work for you
Use large printed text and existing loose pieces. You can copy or dictate chosen words as an alternative.
Another way in
Make two different poems using the exact same pieces.