Three writing exercises follow. Please type your poems into the ‘comments’ section at the bottom of this page
Session 1, writing exercise 1: List Poems
Write your own list poem
Choose from the following titles:
My Kitchen Drawer
My Bag
The Bowl
Now, simply begin to write a list of the things you see.
Now, have a go yourself – send your poem in on the comments section at the bottom of this session. As you can see, it doesn’t need to be complicated. Keep it simple, and enjoy yourself!
Session 1, writing exercise 2: Tanka
Tanka poetry has a strict structure based around the syllables. It is helpful to write the number of syllables at the beginning of each line.
Here’s my go – inspired by my spice jar. I have underlined each syllable to show how the beats break down.
Session 1, writing exercise 3: Sensory Poem
Use your senses to explore how you are feeling and responding to the world around you.
You could write this poem about your kitchen – but you could also use its sensory structure to write about any other topic that interests you.
That’s all our writing exercises this week. We hope you enjoyed them. Perhaps you could create more poems this week and explore the three forms – list poems, tanka poetry and sensory poetry – further.
Hope to see you back for more poems next week.
With love from the Time and Place team, Jess, Keith and Liz xx
Hi it’s Gail loving the sessions very interesting, going to enjoy so much. Here are my List poem and my Tanka poem
Gail’s List Poem
Knifes (sharp)
Forks (Spikey)
Spoons (round)
Tiny plastic cup (measures)
Rolling pin (wooden)
Corkscrew (mechanical)
Tin opener (pivots)
Scissors (blue)
Gail’s Tanka Poem – Biscuit Jar
5. Looking in the tin
7. I would love to eat you all
5. Biscuits round and square
7. Smells delicious when opened
7. Crumbs collected at the bottom
I love these, Gail! Great work. Only one problem: your Tanka has made me REALLY want biscuits – and I don’t have any in!! You write with a lovely humour. Looking forward to reading more poems by you as we go on! Thanks so much, Liz Jx
Well done, Gail – that’s so great that you stuck with it – and you created something really relatable and enjoyable to read. Thank you!
Gail Gregory
June 2, 2020 2:45 pm
Hi its Gail with my sensory poem Sitting at my breakfast bar I hear the noise of the fridge motor the clicking on and off I taste the sugar loaded cup of tea which is freshly brewed I touch the biscuit and hold it between my fingers Crumbs falling gently on to the plate In the corner off the kitchen there is an aquarium where the brightly coloured fish catch my eye as I see them gracefully swimming Dancing in the water with their brightly coloured stripes and flimsy tails wafting through the clear sparkling water, as the sunlight pours… Read more »
What a lovely phrase, “flimsy tails” – I can just picture them! Love that, it sounds like your kitchen is a lovely place to be, with the sunlight pouring in and the fish to watch… lovely!
Keith Oliver
June 3, 2020 5:30 pm
Lovely poems and comments. Really enjoyed reading both
Aileen Aitken
June 5, 2020 2:35 pm
Hi Gail. I am uploading Fiona’s poem about the drawer. We plan to have a go at the sensory poem and maybe even the scary syllables one later this week and post them in. DRAWER Cold and Flu- Day and Night capsules Ibuprofen Sinus Relief Fabric Plasters Itch relief sticks- 2 Almond Oil Cold and Flu Relief sachet- blackcurrant Receipt for £25 Kalms Syringe 2 Toyota keyrings- once I had a car! Lock and Key Scissors Baby Safety pin for a nappy A pence Earache drops Hampton Inn Suites, Scottsdale Arizona, red plastic- cuts something? A letter opener? Rubbish Candle for… Read more »
Wow, great list poem! Thanks so much – and good luck with the tanka syllables poem! Really looking forward to it, Liz Jx
Tracey Shorthouse
June 6, 2020 12:55 pm
Hi its Tracey, Here is my list poem. My Kitchen Drawer Compartments seen – everything in its place Medications – Strips waiting to be had Food bags and Ice bags – To have in case of Small rolls of many sellotapes – For presents yet to buy A key to nan’s house – memories since its no longer there Spare screwdrivers – you never know Plant ties – for unruly plants Aventurine thumb stone – for meditation American Cup Measurements – easier to cook with. My Tanka Poem. When I was a child (5) Cinnamon was used in cakes (7)… Read more »
This is lovely, Brigitta – I love the way every day items sit along side the wooden edelweiss with a ruby stone in the middle! And I’m intrigued by Alan’s poems. Your poem has a lovely balance of the familiar and the exotic. Thanks so much! Liz Jx
Brigitta
June 7, 2020 8:06 pm
Brigitta’s Tanka Poem.
My Bookcase.
Books yet to be read
Special book of love and hope
Friends yet to be met
Learning and understanding
Escaping to a new world
Brigitta
June 7, 2020 8:21 pm
Brigitta’s Sensory poem.
I sit on the sofa and hear the clock ticking,
Breaking the silence,
Seeing the candle flicker and smelling the aroma,
I can almost taste the scent,
As I blow out the flame,
I touch the glass and feel the heat.
Apologies for the two spelling mistakes on my list, hubby was typing
Three beautiful poems, Brigitta – thank you! Your sensory poem really took me into the feeling of the moment, very skillfully done! Really looking forward to reading more of your work, Liz Jx
Lucy Jobbins
June 7, 2020 9:35 pm
Keith Oliver’s tanka poems: In the Kitchen… Our cupboards are straight Our minds however are less so Letting go, quite hard Reminders of my past self Alongside a sense of the present Looking in the mirror Is the image really me? Smile, frown, stare, blink. Yes Reflecting and reflections Remain, walk away, then fade In the kitchen on a Sunday afternoon… Time for tea Staring into a tea cup Reflecting upon the taste Time to sit and sup To chill, and not to haste To think back to when we first saw The teapot as a hidden treasure In the… Read more »
Lucy Jobbins
June 7, 2020 9:38 pm
Keith Oliver’s week 2 poems: Acrostic poem – LOUNGE Loafing around with a sarnie in hand Ob-littering the crumbs with my dyson Until I sit and rest in comfort Near the remote to control my reactions to Going forward from a daze to new days Even against the odds Two Daisy chain poems – View from my lounge Looking out through the window, out into the world World whih is moving on whilst we remain Remain in my seat watching folks strolling by By the time we emerge, a little older but wiser Every picture tells a story It is… Read more »
Keith, your work here is wonderfully rich and varied, each poem is sprinkled with gems! Some really poignant observations, particular reflecting on the social climate right now. I really enjoyed reading these, Lx
Steve Milton
June 8, 2020 10:10 am
Here’s Melvyn’s poem – spoken by the author himself:
Written from the soul. Well done Melvyn ! Some great poems here from everyone. I look forward to week 2!!
Irene Donaldson
June 10, 2020 5:48 pm
Hi there. Sorry I’m bit late to this poetry party but that’s the story of my life these days. I love the wee coaching videos and have enjoyed reading everyone else’s work. So fabulous. Bit daunted but you are brave and so shall I be. Here are my wee scribbles for this week List poem Napkins(unused but crushed) Spatula(new with label still on) Skewers (sharp!) Poly bags(many) Wooden spoon(scruffy) Wooden spatula(to replace above just not yet) Ribbon(recycled) Matchbox(empty) Carry out menus( can’t remember last time we had a carry out!) Bottle tops(saved for a friend) Throat sweets (sticky and must… Read more »
Oh, Irene, these are just lovely! You have a great way with words. Thank you so much for sending these, they’ve really given me pleasure to read, Liz Jx
Your list poem works so well – I have inherited birthday cake candle holders from my mother, and you’ve made me realise how we do have these things our whole lives. These little things that are such a key part of so many special occasions. Really evocative. Great writing, Frances, thank you so much for sharing it, I’ve really enjoyed reading it, Liz Jx
Frances Isaacs
June 11, 2020 3:59 pm
Week One – Sensory Poem The kitchen is my home’s warm heart – the place we all love best. When I’m alone here I feel the past around me like a cloak of memories. The good, the bad, the happy, the sad come flooding back feeling both cold and hot. I hear the piping voices of children long grown up reminding me of them. Whilst I dream of former times the present floods back in. I’m alert and See the eggs boil over, I smell the cake is nearly baked. It’s time for tea and the dog comes in to join us… Read more »
I can smell both dog and cake! I love your phrase, ‘a cloak of memories’ – so powerful! Lx
Brigitta Rae
June 14, 2020 8:45 pm
Acrostic Poem Jumping around, up and down, Excitable and very happy, She was lovely, She was real, Irreplaceable, Ever missed. Daisy Chain Poem Hearing the clock clock ticking endlessly endlessly wishing the day away away with this deadly virus virus that has stopped the world Narrative poem A photograph Adventure just us three Killer whales performing just for us A smiling laughing happy girl Blond hair, beautiful face Journey beyond this land, to a land afar, to Canada Celebration to be had, a unity of many years A musical instrument as big as her, letter to perform many time for… Read more »
[…] However, due to Covid-19, they decided to deliver it online through weekly videos posted to Liz’s blog (and printed instructions to one participant who did not have internet access). The videos were […]
Hi it’s Gail loving the sessions very interesting, going to enjoy so much. Here are my List poem and my Tanka poem
Gail’s List Poem
Knifes (sharp)
Forks (Spikey)
Spoons (round)
Tiny plastic cup (measures)
Rolling pin (wooden)
Corkscrew (mechanical)
Tin opener (pivots)
Scissors (blue)
Gail’s Tanka Poem – Biscuit Jar
5. Looking in the tin
7. I would love to eat you all
5. Biscuits round and square
7. Smells delicious when opened
7. Crumbs collected at the bottom
I love these, Gail! Great work. Only one problem: your Tanka has made me REALLY want biscuits – and I don’t have any in!! You write with a lovely humour. Looking forward to reading more poems by you as we go on! Thanks so much, Liz Jx
Thank you Liz theTanker really got my brain in a puzzle as I had difficulty working out the syllables. Got there in the end
Well done, Gail – that’s so great that you stuck with it – and you created something really relatable and enjoyable to read. Thank you!
Hi its Gail with my sensory poem Sitting at my breakfast bar I hear the noise of the fridge motor the clicking on and off I taste the sugar loaded cup of tea which is freshly brewed I touch the biscuit and hold it between my fingers Crumbs falling gently on to the plate In the corner off the kitchen there is an aquarium where the brightly coloured fish catch my eye as I see them gracefully swimming Dancing in the water with their brightly coloured stripes and flimsy tails wafting through the clear sparkling water, as the sunlight pours… Read more »
What a lovely phrase, “flimsy tails” – I can just picture them! Love that, it sounds like your kitchen is a lovely place to be, with the sunlight pouring in and the fish to watch… lovely!
Lovely poems and comments. Really enjoyed reading both
Hi Gail. I am uploading Fiona’s poem about the drawer. We plan to have a go at the sensory poem and maybe even the scary syllables one later this week and post them in. DRAWER Cold and Flu- Day and Night capsules Ibuprofen Sinus Relief Fabric Plasters Itch relief sticks- 2 Almond Oil Cold and Flu Relief sachet- blackcurrant Receipt for £25 Kalms Syringe 2 Toyota keyrings- once I had a car! Lock and Key Scissors Baby Safety pin for a nappy A pence Earache drops Hampton Inn Suites, Scottsdale Arizona, red plastic- cuts something? A letter opener? Rubbish Candle for… Read more »
Wow, great list poem! Thanks so much – and good luck with the tanka syllables poem! Really looking forward to it, Liz Jx
Hi its Tracey, Here is my list poem. My Kitchen Drawer Compartments seen – everything in its place Medications – Strips waiting to be had Food bags and Ice bags – To have in case of Small rolls of many sellotapes – For presents yet to buy A key to nan’s house – memories since its no longer there Spare screwdrivers – you never know Plant ties – for unruly plants Aventurine thumb stone – for meditation American Cup Measurements – easier to cook with. My Tanka Poem. When I was a child (5) Cinnamon was used in cakes (7)… Read more »
They’re more than ok, Tracey, they’re beautiful! Liz Jx
Brigitta’s Poem
My Drawer
Two used envelopes
Two Journals
Draught counters
Keyring from Salzburg with a wooden edelweiss and ruby stone in the middle
A torch
Page holder
Alan’s poems
Two colouring books
Tow leaflets from the Alzheimer’s society
Bookmark diary
Brush pens for tiny colouring books.
This is lovely, Brigitta – I love the way every day items sit along side the wooden edelweiss with a ruby stone in the middle! And I’m intrigued by Alan’s poems. Your poem has a lovely balance of the familiar and the exotic. Thanks so much! Liz Jx
Brigitta’s Tanka Poem.
My Bookcase.
Books yet to be read
Special book of love and hope
Friends yet to be met
Learning and understanding
Escaping to a new world
Brigitta’s Sensory poem.
I sit on the sofa and hear the clock ticking,
Breaking the silence,
Seeing the candle flicker and smelling the aroma,
I can almost taste the scent,
As I blow out the flame,
I touch the glass and feel the heat.
Apologies for the two spelling mistakes on my list, hubby was typing
Three beautiful poems, Brigitta – thank you! Your sensory poem really took me into the feeling of the moment, very skillfully done! Really looking forward to reading more of your work, Liz Jx
Keith Oliver’s tanka poems: In the Kitchen… Our cupboards are straight Our minds however are less so Letting go, quite hard Reminders of my past self Alongside a sense of the present Looking in the mirror Is the image really me? Smile, frown, stare, blink. Yes Reflecting and reflections Remain, walk away, then fade In the kitchen on a Sunday afternoon… Time for tea Staring into a tea cup Reflecting upon the taste Time to sit and sup To chill, and not to haste To think back to when we first saw The teapot as a hidden treasure In the… Read more »
Keith Oliver’s week 2 poems: Acrostic poem – LOUNGE Loafing around with a sarnie in hand Ob-littering the crumbs with my dyson Until I sit and rest in comfort Near the remote to control my reactions to Going forward from a daze to new days Even against the odds Two Daisy chain poems – View from my lounge Looking out through the window, out into the world World whih is moving on whilst we remain Remain in my seat watching folks strolling by By the time we emerge, a little older but wiser Every picture tells a story It is… Read more »
Keith, your work here is wonderfully rich and varied, each poem is sprinkled with gems! Some really poignant observations, particular reflecting on the social climate right now. I really enjoyed reading these, Lx
Here’s Melvyn’s poem – spoken by the author himself:
melvyn-reads-his-first-poem-for-the-project
Written from the soul. Well done Melvyn ! Some great poems here from everyone. I look forward to week 2!!
Hi there. Sorry I’m bit late to this poetry party but that’s the story of my life these days. I love the wee coaching videos and have enjoyed reading everyone else’s work. So fabulous. Bit daunted but you are brave and so shall I be. Here are my wee scribbles for this week List poem Napkins(unused but crushed) Spatula(new with label still on) Skewers (sharp!) Poly bags(many) Wooden spoon(scruffy) Wooden spatula(to replace above just not yet) Ribbon(recycled) Matchbox(empty) Carry out menus( can’t remember last time we had a carry out!) Bottle tops(saved for a friend) Throat sweets (sticky and must… Read more »
Oh, Irene, these are just lovely! You have a great way with words. Thank you so much for sending these, they’ve really given me pleasure to read, Liz Jx
Never too late. That is one benefit of the way this project is being run. keep up the good work!!
Week One – List Poem
My kitchen drawer
Tin box of Jacks (from childhood)
Birthday cake candle holders (throughout life)
Balls of string (that may be useful)
Brown sticky tape (parcels)
Jam pot covers (seasonal)
Spare hooks (for dresser)
Screws various (all useless)
Keys (that fit nothing)
Santa and snowmen (Christmas cake)
Week One – Tanka Poem
My Spice Cupboard
5 the smell of spice brings
7 heat to my nostrils. I sigh
5 and breathe it inwards.
7 Foreign foods with pungent tastes
7 cardamon, chilles, saffron.
Your list poem works so well – I have inherited birthday cake candle holders from my mother, and you’ve made me realise how we do have these things our whole lives. These little things that are such a key part of so many special occasions. Really evocative. Great writing, Frances, thank you so much for sharing it, I’ve really enjoyed reading it, Liz Jx
Week One – Sensory Poem The kitchen is my home’s warm heart – the place we all love best. When I’m alone here I feel the past around me like a cloak of memories. The good, the bad, the happy, the sad come flooding back feeling both cold and hot. I hear the piping voices of children long grown up reminding me of them. Whilst I dream of former times the present floods back in. I’m alert and See the eggs boil over, I smell the cake is nearly baked. It’s time for tea and the dog comes in to join us… Read more »
I can smell both dog and cake! I love your phrase, ‘a cloak of memories’ – so powerful! Lx
Acrostic Poem Jumping around, up and down, Excitable and very happy, She was lovely, She was real, Irreplaceable, Ever missed. Daisy Chain Poem Hearing the clock clock ticking endlessly endlessly wishing the day away away with this deadly virus virus that has stopped the world Narrative poem A photograph Adventure just us three Killer whales performing just for us A smiling laughing happy girl Blond hair, beautiful face Journey beyond this land, to a land afar, to Canada Celebration to be had, a unity of many years A musical instrument as big as her, letter to perform many time for… Read more »
Thank you, Brigitta,beautiful work: vivid pictures and lovely expressiveness, Liz Jx
I really enjoyed reading your poems Brigitta, thank you
[…] However, due to Covid-19, they decided to deliver it online through weekly videos posted to Liz’s blog (and printed instructions to one participant who did not have internet access). The videos were […]