Part 1: Forms of Poetry--Concrete

4. Concrete
Definition: Concrete poetry is a “form of visual poetry where type-face is laid out to present a pictorial representation of the subject of the poem” (Examples). This “visual presentation of a poem…[becomes] a major part of the poem’s meaning” (Connections). Because of this, concrete poems are “meant to be seen…more than heard” (CL 120). Shapes are made by arranging the poem’s letters, words, and symbols, and they often lack a rhyme scheme or a particular rhythm. Concrete poetry is often visual, but it can also include poems where “an arrangement of words or syllables that signals the poem must be said rather than read (ear poetry), and the division of the poem by different speakers, showing that it is intended for performance (action poetry)” (RPO). Concrete poetry “is a development of the pattern poetry which dates back to Greek classical times” (Examples).

Examples:

“The Mouse’s Tale” –Lewis Carroll

Trees have roots
that keep them in the
ground. They keep them stable
if they are strong enough. I am no tree. I
have no roots. I have no inner strength to
keep me alive. I have reasons to not be a tree.
I was raised be a tree. Then I broke free. Born a
leaf. Meant to get lost in the wind. Alone and
fragile but still making my way. Sometimes
I may fall to the ground. Sometimes I
may feel like I can never
get up again.
I will always
be a leaf.
Because I
feel the need
to be free. Able
to blow in the wind.

Works Cited

“Concrete Poetry.” Connections: A Hypertext Resource for Literature. 2 November 2009. http://www.cs.grinnell.edu/~simpsone/Connections/Poetry/Forms/concret1.html

“Concrete Poetry.” Examples-Help.org.uk. 2 November 2009. http://www.examples-help.org.uk/concrete-poetry.htm

“Concrete Poetry.” Representative Poetry Online (RPO). 2 November 2009. http://rpo.library.utoronto.ca/display_rpo/terminology.cfm#lyric

Darigan, Daniel L., Michael O. Tunnell, and James S. Jacobs. Children’s Literature: Engaging Teachers and Children in Good Books. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, 2002.

Poems

Carroll, Lewis. “The Mouse’s Tale.” Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. Great Neck, NY: Choice Publishing, Inc., 1989.

“How to Write a Concrete Poem.” eHow. 6 November 2009. http://www.ehow.com/how_4750927_write-concrete-poem.html

“Poetry in the Classroom: Concrete Poems.” Open Wide, Look Inside. 6 November 2009. http://blog.richmond.edu/openwidelookinside/archives/932