A Poem Made from What Is Already There
Rearrange words from printed scraps into a small found poem.
- 15–25 minutes
- Little setup
- Easy to pause
- Seated friendly
- Little cleanup
- Low effort
What you need
Choose scrap packaging or printed paper with several readable words. Tear out words or short phrases; scissors and glue are optional.
- scrap paper
If you have them: scissors, glue.
Make it
Choose scrap packaging or printed paper with several readable words. Tear out words or short phrases; scissors and glue are optional.
- 1
Scan your printed scraps and choose five to eight words or short phrases that catch your attention.
- 2
Tear around them, leaving plenty of space so the words remain readable.
- 3
Arrange them into two or three short lines. Move the pieces until you find an interesting connection.
- 4
Read your poem and leave it loose, or save the pieces together for another arrangement.
Short on energy? 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 route: Make two different poems using the exact same pieces.