Poet? Know IT! - Occasional Poems

Occasional poems are poems that are written to celebrate or commemorate a special occasion or a specific event. The event for an occasional poem can be just about anything. The trick is ... it must be an occasion!

Occasional poems can be (and have been) written about birthdays, weddings, funerals, sporting events, and wartime victories. So, how do you know if something is an occasion worthy of an occasional poem? Ask yourself a couple of questions.

1. Does this event happen every day in my life?
2. Does the event change the way I look at or think about things? Will it?
3. Is the event likely to ever happen again in my life?

For example, Andrea Wade decided to write an occasional poem to celebrate ice skating for the very first time ... something that doesn't happen every day, that changed the way she viewed ice skating, and will not ever happen again (you can't have a "first time" twice)!

Occasional poems can be long or short. They can follow a specific form (like a chant or a list poem) or they can be free verse. Remember, the only rule is that your occasional poem must be written for or about an occasion.

Before you begin writing, you may want to gather some tools to help you as you search for just the right words. Here is a list of materials you might need:

Since the only rule for this type of poem is that it must be written for or about an occasion, the first thing to do would be to choose an occasion to write about.

Almost any event will work. You could write about your sister getting married, your first A on a Geometry test, a world event, or the Super Bowl. Check your topic with the 3 questions listed above and get ready to write!

Once you have done that, brainstorm the most important parts or happenings of that occasion. You may find it easier if you draw a picture of what happened or will happen. You could even collect pictures of the event if it has already happened. As you are doing this, imagine yourself at the event. This will help you decide what information to include in your poem.

If you want to use a specific form for your poem, you may want to chose that before you write. You may find it helpful to simply start writing and let your words and thoughts decide what form the poem will take. Sometimes, your thoughts have a pattern all their own and will simply fall into place. Sometimes, you will have to work to find the right words to say what you want to say. Either way, keep working on it until you have said all that you want to say.

Next, have a friend, your teacher, or your mom or dad read what you have written. Ask them to give you some feedback on what you have written. If their suggestions make sense to you and you think they will improve your poem, make some revisions. You may find it helpful to share your poem with someone who has shared the experience you have written about.

When you have your poem just the way you like it, it's time to publish it. You can publish any way you like. You can print it on fancy paper, create a collage to surround it, use a computer application (like PowerPoint, HyperStudio, or even Flash), read it out loud, or you may even choose to keep it to yourself!