April 22 Poetry Newsletter

         Poetry creates a certain mood in the mind of the reader by the words that the poet uses. Many times, a reader becomes confused when the words of a poem create a contradiction, moods that war with each other.

         Descriptive words effect and/or set the mood in poetry. (This can also help writers understand mood in any type of writing.)

         Let's take a look at how we can create mood in poetry.

Vivian

Mood in Poetry

         Descriptive words make a difference in the mood created in a poem. If a cheerful mood is wanted, then words that denote cheer and happiness are needed. If a gloomy mood is wanted, then words that denote sorrow and gloom are needed.

         For a solemn mood, the writer should not use cheerful words. For a love poem, the writer would not use glum or dark words unless the love is a tragedy.

         Let's look at two poems with opposite moods.

Examples of Opposite Mood Scene Poetry

Example of gloomy mood:

         Winter Garden by Vivian Gilbert Zabel

Stark naked flower stalks
Stand shivering in the wind.
The cheerless sun hides its black light
Behind bleak, angry clouds,
While trees vainly try
To catch their escaping leaves.
Carpets of grass turn brown,
Blending morosely with the dreary day.
Winter seems the death of life forever.

(poetry devices used: alliteration, personification, enjambement, caesura, oxymoron, metaphor, hyperbole)

Example of cheerful mood:

         Spring Garden by Vivian Gilbert Zabel

Stunningly dressed flower stalks
Stand shimmering in the breeze.
The cheerful sun hides playfully
Behind white, fluffy, cotton-ball clouds,
While trees whisper secrets
To their rustling leaves.
Carpets of grass greenly glow
Blending joyfully with the day.
Spring brings life to death.

(Poetry devices used: alliteration, personification, caesura, enjambement, metaphor, simile)

Write Your Own Poetry

         Using a scene, one actually seen or one created in the imagination, write two poems, each an opposite mood from the other. Enough detail, including sensory descriptions, should be given to create imagery. The reader should be able to “see” the scene described.

Materials needed:
         sample list of sensory words, "Sensory Words" 

         poetry devices list, "Poetry Terms and Devices" 

Directions:

1. Read both versions of poetry above.

2. Consider similarities in the poems.

3. Consider differences in the poems.

4. Find devices used in the poems.


Assignment:

Write scene poems with opposite moods.

1. Write a scene poem of six lines or more. Use at least four devices other than enjambement and caesura.

2. Revise the poem to be opposite in mood from the first poem.

3. Write a final copy of both poems.

Highlighted Items

The following poem needs punctuation, but it incorporates some good descriptive words of sorrow.

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A sample of the poem:
I think of the world, so bitter and cruel
Broken hearts and bleeding souls
The center of my being, black as coal


What mood should be used for a poem about love. It depends on whether the love is a joint union of joy or one of despair.

Silent All These Years  (ASR) living in silence... #425014 by Lexi

A bit for your enjoyment:
I have been silent
all these years,
wrapped tight in these chains
you call love.

Sarcasm is a difficult mood to create, yet this poet managed very well in this poem. The message comes across very clearly and sharply, yet it is hard to pin point the exact words which accomplish this emotion.

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I'm not going to give any lines from this poem. The whole thing must be read at one time to get the feel of it.

Much poetry about winter is gloomy and drab, but not the following poem which shows the joy found in winter.

Winter Fun  (E) The thrill of sledding. #523522 by Diane

My new sled is fast and sleek.
Race to the top, then down I streak.

The following two poems are from the same writer. Please note how she uses descriptive words to create the moods she wants.

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Feedback

Not many people sent feedback for last month's issue, but I'm glad to receive the comments that arrived. Keeps those cards and letters coming.

For next month, send me your mood poetry links with feedback, please. I'll put it here.


Submitted by: Write-fully Loti

You have written such a professional newsletter. It is delightful to read, all the way through with lots of examples and tidbits to learn. Loti


Submitted by: mousybrown

Ms. Viv,
Your newsletters are always so educational and enjoyable. Thanks for taking the time to help strengthen the poet within me.
Janne


Submitted by: Octobers Lie

Excellent newsletter, Mom. Your newsletters are always so helpful and encouraging.


Submitted by Red Writing Hood <3

Excellent article, Viv! I loved the examples you used. They were easy to understand and made your point well. ^5 on a job well done.

Thank you, ladies. I appreciate your kind remarks.

         Until next time keep reading and writing beautiful poetry.

Viv