I recently stumbled upon a challenge from Margaret Simon’s blog, reflections on the Teche. The challenge was to write a “Word Wandering” or “Wordplay” poem based on Nikki Grimes’ idea on Today’s Little Ditty. So, I thought I’d give it shot today.

What is a Word Play Poem?

Nikki Grimes talks about “studying one word from top to bottom, and inside out, considering every aspect of the word.” What does the word look like, sound like, feel like? How many ways can the word be used? Nikki reminds us that “wordplay is a valuable skill in the process of creating dynamic, original poetry, or lyrical prose.” There are many formats and ways in which these poems can be written. Some great examples are included in the Best of Today’s Little Ditty, 2014-2105.

I’m sharing my wordplay poem below. I used the word ROCK because it is a word that can be turned inside out and explored in may ways. I hope you enjoy it!:

Rock is a Hugging Word

Rock is a tumbling word,
a crumbling word,
crushed into sand
by churning ocean tides.

Rock is a hugging word,
a snugging word,
a bundled baby,
swaying to a lullaby.

Rock is a sweet word,
a treat word,
childhood memories
of gray stone-shaped candy.

Rock is a loud word,
a crowd word,
a beat that feeds
your wild side.

Rock is a strong word
a life-long word,
that person beside you,
dependable as the sunrise.

©Danna Smith at poetrypop.com. All Rights reserved. 

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I invite you to take the challenge and write a wordplay poem. Please leave your poem below in the comments so we can all celebrate this challenge!

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