Playing with Poetry • Lynne Garner

I'm not only a writer but I also teach on a part time basis. Thankfully my employer is forward thinking when it comes to CPD (Continued Professional Development) and they provide us with a small budget to spend on learning something new. So, this year I decided I'd do a poetry course. I have no plans to write a picture book that rhymes (if you do then read this fab post that appeared on the Picture Book Den in 2012 - How *not* to write a rhyming picture book story). However, I've always believed if you can write poetry well and understand the process this will help your picture book writing skills.

Granddad looking very dapper

Also I feel I have a family tradition to keep up. You see my granddad used to write poetry and so does my mum. Here's a sample of their work.

The first written by my granddad (who sadly died many years ago). Written after I demanded he write me something, I was very young. As far as I know it's untitled.

To write a rhyme is sometimes hazy,

In fact, it almost drives one crazy!

But sitting here you start to think

is it me, or the drain that stinks!

Then you give up, in complete despair

and decide not to write it,

SO THERE!!!

Here's a poem written by my mum entitled 'An Ode to Our Dad'

Yep, that's how I remember my dad! 

I’ve got a brand new cistern

so wouldn’t it be great

If you should get a sudden urge

to start to decorate,

a strip or two of paper

a ceiling shining bright.

I’m only just a ‘wee’ room

no need to quake in fright.

In just a few short hours

I could be bright and new.

No need to wait and worry

should someone say to you,

‘Please may I use your toilet,

 I really cannot wait.’

Only to be confronted

with me in this sorry state.

So come on now get cracking

don’t sit here and dream

really make me sparkly

above all MAKE ME CLEAN!

I recently completed the first assignment and I'm now working on my second. For this I have to write twelves lines of blank verse and twelve lines of rhyme. Now, I don't normally do this, share a work in progress. But time is not on my side so I'm sharing this first draft (so do be kind). Working title is 'Balls.' 

Tasha with her collection of found balls!

Golf, volley, squash ball and hockey

Rugby, tennis, golf ball and cricket

She'll jump into ditches, ponds and streams

Weave through grass, nettles and thicket

She can spot them in tall grass.

Spy one hidden under a bush.

She'll pick up one with ease,

But will manage two, at a push.

Balls of all descriptions are fair game.

She emerges to be congratulated

For rescuing the once round ball

Which is now very deflated.

In the ditch, knee deep in mud.

"No, no!" She ignores my call.

"How did you spot that?"

"Great, another dirty football."

I realise this stands at 16 lines and not the 12 set in my assignment. But as I polish this first draft I'll decide which four lines have to go (something picture book writers often have to do, cut lines) and hone my writing skills as I work. Which, with fingers crossed will make me a better picture book writer.

Lynne

P.S. If any poets are out there can explain 'metre' to me I'd be very grateful.

To check out my books please simply click here.
My latest collection of short stories 'Ten Tales of Brer Rabbit' is available in paperback (£4.45) and as an ebook (just 99p).