Observation Exercise

I’ve noticed so far that people are doing quite well in terms of adding emotional and sometimes philosophical pull to their poems, as well as being personally invested in their writing, but we’re still a little lacking on the main ingredient: imagery.  So with that in mind, we’ll try a little exercise.

1)   Go to where people are (probably the Atrium).

2)   Spy on them without being too obviously creepy.

3)   Take note of their physical appearance, body language, etc.

4)   Jot down any quotes you overhear.

5)   You can observe as many people as you want, mix details, etc., to produce the one or two characters you want to write about.

6)   Then, write a narrative poem giving as much physical description (and as little exposition) as possible.

7)   The final requirement: if your overheard quote sounds silly, or is not grammatical, or seems to portray your character as shallow, you have to try and have them perform an action in the poem (even a small one) that redeems them.  If the quote makes them appear kind or intellectual, try to have body language hint at the opposite.