Free Verse Poetry

1. Free Verse Poetry

2. Free Verse Poetry • verse without a fixed metrical pattern, usually having unrhymed lines of varying length • No rhyme, no set rhythm (meter is # of syllables per line which effects the rhythm) • Walt Whitman is the American “Father” of Free Verse • Wrote Leaves of Grass, a book length free verse poem • “I celebrate myself, and sing myself, And what I assume you shall assume, For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.” • There are many types of Free Verse Poetry • Concrete Poetry, Diamante, Haiku, Extended Metaphor, etc.

3. Haiku

4. Haiku a form of Japanese poetry with 17 syllables in three unrhymed lines of five, seven, and five syllables, often describing nature or a season

5. How to Write a Haiku • 5-7-5 syllables per line • Must contain a season or an image from nature • Tries to give a clear image that provides insight or connection to the reader • Sometimes uses a 2 part image that works together

6. On a branch floating downriver a cricket, singing. Under the evening moon the snail       is stripped to the waist.

7. Reader Response • 1. How many syllables per line are there in Haiku #1? • 2. Is haiku 1 about nature? • 3. What lesson about humanity can you learn about from haiku #1?

8. Even with insects— some can sing,     some can’t. If not for the cat, And the scarcity of cheese, I could be content. Her boughs bending, still she welcomes Snow’s company— temporary friend.

9. Reader Response • 4. What is the human connection in haiku #3? • 5. Why is the speaker discontent in haiku #4? • 6. What is being personified in haiku #5?

10. We do it! Finish the Haiku The clouds roll in waves A lance of silver flashes ____________________ • Hunting Beach, Ohio

11. You Do It! Write a Haiku for each picture