Ever felt like your poems are a little too wordy or “bulky”? If you haven’t tried writing a Skinny Poem yet, you are honestly missing out on some serious fun!
This clever little format was dreamed up by the brilliant Truth Thomas. It’s all about capturing a vivid image using the absolute tiniest footprint possible. I’m playing with words today and I’d love for you to join me! Let’s see how much punch we can pack into a slim silhouette.
THE RULES ARE SIMPLE
- Eleven lines
- Second, sixth, and tenth lines are identical
- All lines are one word, except the first and last, which may be longer, but must use the same words (rearranging these words is permitted.)
A POETRY POP TEMPLATE TO GUIDE YOU
TRUTH THOMAS’ FAMOUS SKINNY
Old Testament Kwon Do
Boards don’t hit back—you must
if
beaten
like
omelets
if
whipped
like
cream
if
Boards don’t hit back, you must—
©Truth Thomas from Speak Water
HERE’S MY ATTEMPT AT A FEW SKINNYS
This Skinny is from my novel in verse, The Complete Book of Aspen:
It Could Be a Lie
When someone lies
everything
else
they
say
everything
becomes
questionable
changes
everything
when someone lies
©Danna Smith from poetrypop.com
When Grandbabies Smile
When grandbabies smile
my
day
shines
bright
my
world's
right
oh
my
when grandbabies smile
©Danna Smith from poetrypop.com
I was stumped for ideas for this last Skinny, so I spun my Poetry Pop prompt wheel and landed on the prompt, “waiting for wings.” This is the poem the prompt inspired:
Waiting for Wings
Waiting for wings
creeper
sleeping
in
chrysalis
creeper
transforming
becoming
fluttery
creeper
waiting for wings
©Danna Smith from poetrypop.com
THIS BLOG RUNS ON CAFFEINNE 🧋
If my posts or poems have brightened your day or my templates have saved you a bit of time, please consider buying me a cup of tea. Each cup fuels a new verse and keeps the digital ink flowing, allowing me to keep creating free resources for you to enjoy. Your support truly means the world to me!
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