I have just received a long awaited copy of the 'Collected Poems- Wendy Cope.' This comprehensive anthology provides an  impressive overview of the much admired U K poet's work, across several decades.  Wendy Cope has long impressed as a witty, insightful poet, whose work is both memorable and full of humourous intent. The human condition is extensively explored in her work.  Her first collection of poems was published in 1986. Eight further anthologies have followed as well as two poetry collections for children. She has further edited six additional anthologies.  I have been immediately inspired by my reading of the lengthy first line index at the back of 'Collected Poems.' It has inspired me to create a Cento poem. The Mystery Of A Poet’s Inspiration  -After Wendy Cope   Where do you get your ideas from? -An English meadow early in the morning A talented young chimpanzee A three letter beginning with f The fat boy in the seat across ...

 In my most recent rummaging through family history documents I came across a collection of letters my mother  exchanged with family and friends in the 1960's and 70's.  Lifting them out and into the light of day, I found myself fascinated by the language of the letters. Snippets of detail and flourishing turns of phrase were lighting up my reading. I was intriguied by the content of these letters. I began jotting down lines I loved and began to weave them into an arrangement that sounded like it had some flow, some connection.  This is Cento poetry, a derivative of found poetry. These old hand written letters have alerted me to an even broader range of possibility when it comes to the search for inspiration...   Jottings -a clutch of old letters At last I am writing a few lines Having taken up the pen -I have done it mentally many times…   Just to let you know we now have a Chihuahua puppy We feed with an eye dropper She’s a real imp of mis...

This week I have been closely examining Cento poems. A Cento poem is composed of various lines lifted from different poems. They are sometimes referred to as Patchwork or Collage poems. They are yet another form of found poetry. The idea is to gather appealing lines from poems to create a pool of content from which to choose the most suitable lines for your new poem. You are aiming for lines that might lend themselves to meshing together to create a cohesive work. The poet becomes a weaver- a weaver of words. You begin by choosing one or two lines per poem. Once you have your pool of lines you may commence to reconstruct, reconfigure and remix the word order of your chosen lines. You may also make them rhyme if you so choose. It is important to be consistent with your use of tenses and voice.  As a poetry form, Cento poems are quite old. They stretch back to the ancient Greek poet, Homer and the Roman poet, Virgil. Many famous poets have written Cento poems. Two examples of conte...