LIST POEMS

List Poems

A List poem is exactly what it implies; ideas that are written as a list, or which are written with a repetitive style to them.  The challenge is introducing enough ideas to bring variety, but not too many to lose interest.

This is a good poem form to use when wanting to concentrate on achieving a good rhythm as the repetition provides a natural beginning to the rhythm. (See my example poem “Which Car?”)

In the same way, it is a good way to practice writing descriptive phrases using figurative techniques such as alliteration (Think of the song “My Favourite Things….. Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woollen mittens etc”)

Try brainstorming ideas on a given topic as a group so that there is no shortage of suggestions for your list before you begin writing your poem, so that you are then able  to focus on using figurative writing techniques to add interest.

Use the subject of Topic work

For example, if you are studying minibeasts, write a list poem on that topic. (see “Minibeasts” poem)

Practice Alliteration

Write a list poem full of alliteration entitled, for example,

At the Alliteration Shop I Bought……….

A dangerous dog
A horrible horse
A friendly fox
And some spicy sauce etc

Also, see my poem “Beautiful Butterfly” for an example of the simplicity of combining the list poem with alliteration.

Combine the List form with the Alphabet poem form…

The alphabet poem gives a structure to follow which lends itself well to the list format. See the beginning of my World War Two poem to see how I combined the styles.

If you would like to see examples of my list poems, you will find them under the category POEM FORMS and the sub heading LIST POEMS . Many of my poems will, of course, come under several different categories above, but they are duplicated deliberately so that you can find them by whichever means you need to use them.  Poems are also listed alphabetically in the POEM INDEX by title.