I am

Poetry WritingWorkshop

Brainstorm

For these questions be as descriptive as possible. Think about how they might exist literally and figuratively.

  • Who are you?

    • Write 10-20 traits of your personality that describe who you believe yourself to be.

    • Pick 3 or 4 of these words.

      • Write descriptively about these words. If you find yourself getting stuck, think about what these characteristics look like/ feel like/ sounds like/ taste like/ ect– use your 5 senses.

      • Write about what these words are similar to or exactly like. For instance, someone being direct is a sunny day of clarity or it could be like ramming into a wall of opinions and truths.

  • What journey’s brought you to this person who sits here today? Again, get descriptive. What did the journey feel like when you were going through it and how does it feel now that you are on the other side?

  • Who do others perceive you to be?

    • Think about people who are just acquaintances AND your closest friend. These descriptions might be different and, perhaps, they should be. Make sure you are getting really descriptive and try to find creativity in your descriptions.

  • Where is your evolution heading next? Who do you intend to become? What areas of growth do you need to journey through to become the next level of yourself.

Use the notes from above to craft your poem.

Here are a few structures to consider using, if you find yourself having difficulty.

Repetition of initial phrases I am …. (x4) I have been…(x4) Perceptions might be… (x4) I am becoming… (x2) Focused Stanzas in tercets (lines of 3) 3 descriptive lines about your journey from question #2 (spice it up with a metaphor or simile) 3 descriptive lines from notes from questions #1 3 descriptive lines about how you are perceived generally and by those who know you best from Question #3 3 descriptive lines about who you are becoming from questions #4 Keywords and phrases from brainstorm For this, you can underline/select the words and phrases that you feel are most impactful from your brainstorm and arrange them in a manner that feels right to you.