Skip to main content

Action Words And Poetry


Image result for verbs

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.

Image result for morning scenes


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!

Comments

  1. I am a lousy cook but am a fan of strong verb choice and I love the idea of using those cooking verbs in non-food related poetry. Thanks for your post Alan.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Verbs are indeed a vital focus when we write so our verb choice is critical. Glad you liked the verb work Sally.

      Delete
  2. "Set out on a platter at dawn and enjoy." That's exactly what we do. Now to chew! Thanks, Alan for a reminder about those verbs, but most important, Elaine's lovely poem.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Elaine's poem has always resonated strongly with me Linda. Glad you like it too.

      Delete
  3. I love that poem by Elaine--what a glorious morning she paints with those verbs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A glorious morning indeed Kay. A short, yet impactful, piece of poetry.

      Delete
  4. This seems like it would be a great writing exercise that I'll have to add to my pocket. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy to share Rebecca. It is always gratifying when someone sees potential in a shared idea.

      Delete
  5. Elaine's poem is absolutely delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Elaine's poem is gorgeous! She creatively captures so much of what I love about dawn. "Melt a galaxy of stars in a large blue bowl." Ahhhh....I have a long ago "Recipe for Early Morning Relaxation" post from a visit to Puerto Rico. You and Elaine have inspired me to revisit it and see if I can jazz up my verbs and create a poem. You've also reminded me to revisit Natalie Goldberg's book. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My focus upon such matters as verbs and sunsets has proved useful, it would seem Molly. I am therefore, well pleased.

      Delete
  7. There is so much beauty in Elaine's poem. Choosing the right verbs is indeed a challenge. I have just added Writing Down The Bones to my Xmas wish list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Elaine's poem is a standout. I'm sure you will find much to delight you in Writing Down The Bones, Cheriee.

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Life Cycle -A football poem by Bruce Dawe

This poem by Australian poet Bruce Dawe epitomises the unique connection sporting tragics have to their preferred football teams, -an almost tribal allegiance. Each season supporters stare down the twin imposters- victory and defeat. They remain both loyal and hopeful of eventual triumph. This poem refers specifically to Australian Rules Football, but it's themes are universal. I share this poem on the eve of the 2017 Grand Final to decide the Premiership for this football season. My team, the Richmond Tigers have reached the play off to decide the ultimate victor. They have not contested the Grand Final match for 35 years. My hopes fly with them. This poem links two of my great loves -football and poetry... Life Cycle When children are born in Victoria they are wrapped in club-colours, laid in beribboned cots, having already begun a lifetime’s barracking. Carn, they cry, Carn … feebly at first while parents playfully tussle with them for possession of a rusk: Ah, he

Poetry Friday: The Safety Pin Poem

Poets not only write poetry, they also read poetry. In order to be able to write poetry, one must read it. Lots of poetry in fact...  I want to share a short little poem by Valerie Worth. I bought Valerie's book, 'All The Small Poems And Fourteen More,' while living and working in New York, some time back. It remains a personal favourite.  I love the way the poet shines a special light on everyday objects, transforming them into something unique and worthy of attention. Her close observations elevate her poems into the special category.  Each poem in the collection celebrates earthly wonders. From eggs to garbage, from potatoes to pockets, each object is given special attention in the form of short poems employing keen observations.  Valerie Worth demonstrates through her poems she totally understands the saying-'ideas exist in things.'  The poem I have chosen to share with you (one of my personal favourites) is titled, 'Safety Pin'. S af

Opposite Poems

O pp o s ite P oem s In his book, ' How To Write Poetry,'  Paul Janeczko presents the idea of opposite poems. Paul suggests they could also be referred to as antonym poems. This is wordplay and it's fun to try. Here are some examples Paul provides to help us see very clearly how these short little poems work. I think the opposite of chair Is sitting down with nothing there What is the opposite of kind? A goat that butts you from behind Paul Janeczko You will  notice the poems are written in rhyming couplets. They can be extended so long as you remember to write in couplets. Paul shows us how this is done. What is the opposite of new? Stale gum that's hard to chew A hot-dog roll as hard as rock Or a soiled and smelly forgotten sock You might notice that some of Paul's opposite Poems begin with a question. The remainder of the poem answer the question posed. Opposite poems are a challenge, but it is a challenge worth trying. Not e