  Poetry
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Personification gives an idea or inanimate object human attributes, feelings, or powers. (Kirszner and Mandell, 785) A form of figurative language in which the writer describes an idea or inanimate object in human terms. (Kirszner and Mandell, G2-10)
SOURCE: Kirszner, Laurie, and Stephen Mandell. The Wadsworth Handbook. 7th ed. USA: Thomson Wadsworth, 2005.
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Poppin’ Fresh Personification
On a recent road trip the kids and I became bored beyond tears. To pass the time of passing town after town, we practiced some personification; disguised as a word game - it was summer vacation after all.
Personification is almost self-explanatory, but for those who would like one, my personal definition is: Giving human traits, abilities or feelings to non-human things.
Even though it’s a simple process, it is important. Given those elements, I decided to have fun with it and I came up with a writer's recipe of sorts.
Poppin’ Fresh Personifications
-Take one non-human thing (like an owl, orphan or emotion).
-Mix with one human thing (like Uncle Herman’s scowl, skin, or toenails)
-Blend and bake to taste.
-Serves scads of readers.
Use in poetry, essays, short stories, and novels. Can also be served on toast points, but aren’t as effective.
Since we don’t have a mouth-watering picture to go with our recipe, let us allow our imagery to take its place.
An owl sat guard
outside my window.
Moonlight lit up his
feathers and face so he
looked like Uncle Herman,
with his scraggly scowl
and parchment skin.
He demanded like my uncle,
too. Who?
Who were you with tonight?
Who brought you home?
Who did you kiss tonight?
Who?
Holly aka Red Writing Hood (from a work in progress)
It would be a good idea to add this to your list of poetry practice through play (see previous article on this subject).
Even simple tools like personification can have a huge impact on your writing.
On another note:
I had this question sent to me in email, and it sounds like a good question to pose to the whole newsletter:
Dear Writers:
Have you often thought of poetry like music? As a poet and a writer I often like to think of how your hand slowly glides across the paper is like an orchestra playing a symphony.
What are your views on the joy of writing poetry?
Poetically yours,
David Collins poetdc
I'll share all comments regarding this question in next month's newsletter.
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Here are two items sent in as a direct response to last months newsletter topic.
Word Magnets:
Mental Pictures:
I also wanted to point out a great contest that's coming up:
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
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Gotta question, answer, problem, solution, tip, trick, cheer, jeer, or extra million lying around?
If so, send it through the feedback section at the bottom of this newsletter OR click the little envelope next to my name Red Writing Hood <3 and send it through email.
Comments on last month's newsletter:
Submitted By: lorijacobs
Submitted Comment:
I think it's great that you have a newsletter for poetry! I am fairly new to writing.com but I am enjoying every part of it and the wonderful people I have met. Thank's again! Keep up the good work.
Sincerely, Lori Jacobs, Author of the book: Purify Body and Soul
Submitted By: AXiLeA 
Submitted Comment:
Great newsletter, as usual. Speaking of word magnets, you might want to check on a poem I wrote. (NOTE: See this poem featured above)
See you next month in my mailbox!  AXILEA
Submitted By: Katya the Poet 
Submitted Comment:
Great newsletter, Red, with its focus on play and playful practice! Yes, I had never thought about how Scattergories does push the language!!--toward alliteration and creativity! Nice to see see your SLAM faves, and thanks for honoring me.
Submitted By: terryjroo
Submitted Comment:
Dear Holly,
Thanks for listing my poem in your newsletter. What a pleasant surprise.
I really liked this issue on "Practice Poetry Through Play." You have listed some great ways to jump start your mind! 
Keep up the good work!
Hugs,
Ter
Submitted By: mousybrown
Submitted Comment:
What wonderful ideas of inspiration you have given us. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with everyone.
Submitted By: dogfreek21
Submitted Comment:
I loved this newsletter!
I love to play, and I understand completely and agree completely that you can learn a lot through having fun!
Submitted By: LeJenD' 
Submitted Comment:
I enjoyed this month's newsletter. I like the ideas that poets (and pretty much all writers) can play to get better at their writings. I love scattergories (probably because I am usually unbeatable). Your story of going to the open-house at your kid's pre-k class was nice. I had a similar experience myself last fall - however, the teachers encouraged the parents to play with their kids in the centers (no coaxing me, I love to play). The imagination games help too. There are no limits to where an imagination can take a person! There are also tons of online word games which can help us to better ourselves as writers. Thanks always for the great newsletters!
Submitted By: bazilbob
Submitted Comment:
Great newsletter! You often hear that you should play to be creative and whatnot, no-one ever actually bothers suggesting some games or anything! Cheers!
Submitted By: Brother Don
Submitted Comment:
This is a really good idea! I am ashamed to admit that it never occurred to me to play with words as practice to improve my writing, especially in poetry. I will immediately start trying to implement your suggestions. Thank you. Don Brown
Submitted By: Puditat
Submitted Comment:
Ooooh. We should get together and play Scattergories.  It is my favourite game!
Color me there the next time I'm Down Under!
NOTE: I've never actually been to Australia, and although I'd love to visit, you might want to let someone else use my seat at the table for a while, as it is quite a swim from Florida to Austrailia.
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Poetry: August 09, 2006 Issue [#1200]
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