When I first started to write this poem I didn't think it was going to be the best experience. I'm not really a fan of using charts to map out senses and imagery of a specific story. However, I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed using this chart.
I started by picking out a picture to use as inspiration.
This photo was taken at Linville Falls a few years ago, and I thought it would be perfect to use for my 6 room poem. I remember this trip fairly well and knew I could pull the five senses into this poem easily.
The brainstorming piece took me a little longer than expected. I found myself getting stuck trying to find the perfect words to describe what that say felt like. It wasn't until I loosened up a little bit that I was able to completely fill out the chart and was satisfied with the result.
While writing this poem, I didn't really try to stick to any specific form or structure. I picked out feelings or images from the chart and molded them to fit the poem in a way I thought would flow best. I ended up adding a few lines that were not included in the original chart I created.
I really like the idea of using this with my future students. It provides somewhat of a structure and a guide for students who need a little extra push or like to have more direction, but it also allows for plenty of wiggle room for students who like to have more freedom. I think the 6 room poem could be perfect for a shared writing experience as a class.
Here is my final poem
Linville Falls
a soft glow enhances
the greens and blues
hidden in the foliage
rolling rapids race
down
down
down
and settle into a still, sparkling pool
grand and rigid rocks
spread across the water
creating intricate paths
in every direction
has there ever been a more beautiful moment?
my heart is beating
slow and steady
a wave of calm cascades over me
hitting the reset button
and embracing the quiet
a picturesque scene reflects
in the ripples
as my mind reflects
on the place I call home
the leaves are rustling
as the wind blows through the trees
here I sit
still
and a peace
I really like how you incorporated the question piece into your poem! I struggled to add questions into my poem when I tried this strategy.
I really liked the six room poem as well. I wasn't exactly hesitant about it but I was worried I wouldn't be able to describe a scene very well! Your has turned out great, I really like it! I like how you changed up the way "down down down" looks on your final draft!
I agree that the six room poem worked out better than I had expected. It reminded me quite a bit of the senses chart that we used when we were exploring narrative writing. Your poem turned out awesome! I can picture myself sitting right there in the midst of it.