Catalog poems are a simple way to begin writing poetry, whether you are young or old. They are essentially a list that is written and organized in an artistic manner, which makes them a fun writing project for anybody, regardless of poetic experience.
Because of their simple nature, they are a great way to teach children how to write poems. Because of their versatility, they can also pose a challenge to experienced writers, presenting limitless possibilities to express an object or feeling.
Deciding on a Topic
Catalog poems have few restrictions because they are a list. Just about any topic will work for a catalog poem. Tell children to write a catalog poem about something they love or hate because they'll be more likely to write well about things they feel strongly for.
For adolescents and adults, an object or something that seems insignificant might work better since it will provoke more thought. In the example below, a clock is used.
Making a List
After choosing a suitable topic, make a list of everything you can think of about that topic. The list can consist of single words or lines about the word or topic. For example, if you are writing about a clock you might write:
White plain circle with numbers all around
A black circle framing its face
Always ticking and tocking
Lines circling around
Hangs on a wall to tell us the time
Turning the List into a Poem
Try reorganizing and adding and deleting from the list for different effects. Try to find metaphors for some of the words or phrases or try to play with the words to form puns. Try moving lines up and down, omitting some, rewording others until you are satisfied with the results. Keep in mind that catalog poems can be as simple or as complicated as you want them to be.
Try tweaking the lines to add poetic meaning or style through metaphors or rhyming. Remember that catalog poems do not have to rhyme or keep a certain rhythm so possibilities are endless. A final poem about a clock might look like this:
Blank face
Inching toward an unattainable goal
Chasing numbers that don't add up
Tick, tick, tick
Tock, tock, tock
Timing the repetition of our lives
Try writing a few lists on different objects or topics until you find a list that feels right. Never settle for the first topic or list you create. Instead, sift through words and lines, molding the list into a poem with life and meaning of its own.
Megan B. Wyatt - Megan B. Wyatt has a BA in English, edits fiction manuscripts and currently works as an entertainment reporter in Lafayette, Louisiana.
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