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Beating The Blank Page Poem


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Poets, experienced and inexperienced all face the challenge of the blank page. So let's approach the writing we choose to do with a can-do attitude. The blank page is the very reason the rehearsal of our 'first' or opening words is so vitally important. When we rehearse those initial words, we turn up the party bearing gifts! We bring with us a string of words to launch the writing. Words ready to splash across the page. Words to get things going. These words provide momentum. To help develop a can do attitude I have written this poem, a battle cry of sorts. A poem to create a mind set for action. We should hold no fear of the blank page. The idea of writer's block is something of an excuse. Afterall, do doctors suffer doctor's block? Do electricians suffer electricians block? Let's get this party started!

Beating the Blank Page
A Battle-Cry for the Brave Young Writer

Hello blank page
I’m here to let you know
You hold no fear for me
I come prepared
For above all things, I am a mighty writer
A writer armed with fearless words
And clever, tenacious ideas
Your unmarked surface
Your dazzling, papery blankness
Are no match for a word warrior
Such as me
I shall stare you down
I shall annoy you
I shall employ you
I shall destroy you one word at a time
Watch as you yield to the irresistible spread of my words
My powerful phrases
My vivid verbs
My agile adjectives
Letter by letter
Bit by bit
Your landscape will be transformed
Your emptiness filled
You hold no fear for me Blanky- Blank Page
For I remain a mighty writer
And I shall stare you down
Take my word for it.

Alan j Wright

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Comments

  1. Love it, Alan. A real battle-cry. Mighty writer indeed.

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    1. Thanks Sally. This was a most enjoyable poem to write. My hope is that it might serve to provide a young poet with a little dose of self belief.

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  2. Hear, hear–onward and upward "Mighty Warrior," bring on all your words! Terrific poem Alan, thanks!

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  3. I love this so much! I will definitely be sharing it with my new class of 5th grade Word Warriors! (I need it for myself, too!!)

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    1. Another group of word warriors will hopefully emerge in the new school year Mary Lee!

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  4. This is so perfect for those sassy, accomplished writers 3rd grade and up! Love that "yield to the irresistible spread of my words."

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    1. Sassy writers indeed Heidi. I like the idea of that.

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  5. That's the way to tell that blank page where to go!

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  6. You are a true word warrior, Alan. I will also share this with the teachers during professional development sessions on writing.

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    1. Thank you Carol. That's a title one can wear with a sense of pride. I feel honoured that you consider my poem worthy of sharing with others.

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  7. Love this rallying cry, Alan!

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    1. Thanks Molly. Hopefully it can be used to help young poets storm the writing ramparts!

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