Number Poem
Base your number poem on a sequence of numbers important to you—a social Security number, a zip code, a date (written in numerals: e.g., 10-31-1924), an address, telephone number, lucky numbers… The sequence you choose sets the pattern of syllables for you poem.
Step 1. Select a sequence of numbers important to you.
Step 2. To get language for your poem, jot down images and scenes that connect with you number: people, faces, actions, moments, scenes. Then, lay out your pattern of lines and syllables, as above. Work “the meat” of your jottings into your pattern, changing language as necessary to fit the counts. In short, connect content and form.
Examples:
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(LINE #)
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(Syllables)
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CALL
|
(1)
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XXXXXX
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Tacked alongside this phone
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(2)
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XXX
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a friend’s face.
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(3)
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XXXXXX
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I cannot say his name
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(4)
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XXXX
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yet know him well.
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(5)
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XXXXXXXXXX
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One night he disappeared, as light from fire,
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(6)
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XXXXXXX
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went out for good. Still, I’ll
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(7)
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XXXXX
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know him when he calls.
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PHONE
If you
Would like to know my phone number, you Will need to
Count the syllables in each sentence. With what you get there
PLEASE REMEMBER
If the phone rings after midnight, with a lonesome voice calling to
you, please remember there is
someone far from home tonight who needs your words of friendship.
--Sadie Tirmizi (444-4786)
NIGHT SOUNDS
And now
The cricket chirps Outside my door again—
His song will pierce my thoughts and dreams Tonight.
--Glynn Bridgewater
775-9184
The phone sits here, black and hard
As charcoal waiting to flame when you call me up
And your words begin their hot, bright fires. Well,
Nothing’s burning now at this end. Afraid? Afraid?
--Robert King
