On Found Poetry
Modelling found poetry with two of my Thursday students using pp.8-14 from Ondaatje's 'In the Skin of a Lion'
Found Poem #1 He longs for the moment he sits down and brushes the texture of the book. He is forcing himself to take his time. He gazes on these things he read[s]. He records and sketches. He will not simply drift. He knows the language of a voice - I am here. Found Poem #2 Summer nights - the house is in darkness. He stands, clinging to brightness, his senses tuned to such noises: the terrified thrash of the moth, the insect munch, several bugs flapping and knocking. The language of this place. Found Poem #3 the place is pale green and nameless the river slips out a simple blue line he runs towards the river towards the swimming hole in mid-river there is no colour cold water seeps up he moves forward slowly and plunges his right arm into the freezing water he puts his head into the water and reaches out he realises the water is frantically pulling he let go he stumbles up and stands it is almost dark the boy shivers