POEM OF LOSS: Does losing things help us discover anything? Maybe sometimes we
notice or take better care of what we still have. Momentarily. Maybe the reason we talk
about petty losses is that there are so many inevitable larger ones that can never be
redeemed or reclaimed--the people or the eras of our lives. Teenagers and The Voice are
poems that each express and explore the experiences of LOSS in one way or another.
Brainstorm a list of things you've lost in your life-favorite stuffed animal, beloved family
dog, freedom, memory, friendships, grandparents, trust, keys, an important championship
game, motivation, confidence, etc. There are many odd and angular ways the subject of loss
can creep into everything we know-choose something from your list and write a poem
about something you've lost. USE SENSORY DETAIL-TWELVE LINES MINIMUM!