Day 4 - List Poems

A list poem is just what it says - a list.  One thing a list poem is not though, is a random list.  Most list poems are thought out and are not just casual items.  List poems try to get the reader to stop and think about what is on the list.
There are so many things that can be written about in lists, that sometimes we cannot think of a thing to write.  To help, some ideas for lists are below.  

                                          Ideas for List Poems

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The Sources of:
grayness
softness
redness
squeaks
cold
sights
noises in the night

Things That:
ring
light
you find in the grocery
hear in your house
smell in the school
are round/square
are red/blue/green/black

Things:
to do waiting for the bus
to do trying to fall asleep
you should have done
you should not have done
that make you feel tall
that make you feel small
that you tell your mother

Directions: Create two list poems using ideas from above or ideas of your own. Lists can be either rhyming or not.  It is up to the writer to decide which style s/he uses. In at least one of the poems you write, make the list humorous or far-fetched.  Then, in the final line, give the poem a serious turn.


Student Examples:

THINGS KIDS SAY WHEN THEY WANT TO GET OUT TO PLAY

--I did all my homework.
--I picked up my toys.
--I empitied the trash.
--My bed is made.  No, there are no lumps.
--I ate all my vegetables.
--But everyone else is.
--Bobby's mom doesn't make him.
--But, Mom.
--No, my dirty clothes aren't under the bed.
--Yes, Mom, I'm sure.
--Yeah, I'll be careful..  No, I won't poke an eye out.
--Oh, please!
---James Franco (Grade 6)

CAN YOU IMAGINE...

A city without violence
This classroom in silence

Basketball without a ball
Temecula without a mall

Ducks wearing lipstick
No barbecue at a picnic

Sky without stars
Jail with no bars

Pepsi without caffeine
Every night having the same dream?
---Jon Heder (Grade 10)