Action Words And Poetry

Recipes are written with a precise use of language. The application of action words in the form of vivid verbs is a feature of this form of writing. I love the clear intent of words such as:

sift, dice, boil, sprinkle, sauté, blanche, pinch, muddle, chop, whip, slice, bake, season, salt, soak, plunge, dissolve, melt, boil.

What if these verbs were applied to a non-cooking topic? Could we create recipes for animals, traveling, feelings and emotions, seasons, learning or many other topics?

I recall a wonderful activity Natalie Goldberg presented in her book, 'Writing Down The Bones' (page 87, The Action of A Sentence) that coupled verbs one generally associates with kitchen actions with common nouns in order to create fresh new sentences and to increase writers awareness of the power verbs possess.

A further possibility is creating a recipe for some wondrous, new, edible delight…

Elaine Magliaro’s poem is a wonderful example of this approach. Elaine skilfully applies powerful verbs when creating a recipe for making a perfect morning. the allusion to a recipe is in evidence.

How to Make a Morning


Melt a galaxy of stars in a large blue bowl.
Knead the golden sun and let it rise in the East.
Spread the sky with a layer of lemony light.
Blend together until brimming with brightness.
Fold in dewdrops.

Sprinkle with songbirds.
Garnish with a chorus of cock-a-doodle-doos.
Set out on a platter at dawn and enjoy.
by Elaine Magliaro

We must choose our verbs carefully. They should assist the reader to visualize with greater clarity. They are the muscles of writing, adding power to the poetry we are attempting to make. Viva Le Verb!