Blackout poetry is a form of found poetry created by erasing or blacking out words from an existing text in a magazine or newspaper. The words that are not blacked out result in an entirely new poem that is quite unique in its context.
Here are the steps to come up with your creation.
STEP 1 : Pick your source
Choose an article from a newspaper or magazine. The key is to choose an interesting article that has potential words to form a poem.
STEP 2 : Word Search
Search and underline all interesting and potential words using a pencil.
STEP 3 : Filter
Blackout unwanted words with a black marker.
STEP 4 : String the Words
Arrange the highlighted words sequentially to form a poem. Edit or blackout further to make your poem succinct. You cannot add words of your own apart from the existing text.
STEP 5 : Final Reveal
Write out the poem using selected words in a separate piece of paper and check the flow. Cut out words further if required.
Here are some examples of blackout poetry written by me.
***
POEM 1
Without fanfare
Locked in a gentle embrace
During a downpour,
Both wait with supplies
From a public outlet
Under the banyan.
***
POEM 2
Technically married,
Ideation of patterns that fit perfectly
In graphic prints…
Cocktail dinners to contemporary trends,
One can frame culture for friends and family,
Once the algorithm questions
They choose to update,
Don’t call this an experience !
***
POEM 3
Reality goes unnoticed
Overnight,
Some clouds change their shapes
dramatically…
Frequency of makeovers—
there is nothing deliberate about it,
Ideal conditions are mirrored
In recent times.
***
Have fun experimenting with this style.
I read all the three sample blackout poetry formats written by you. Loved the novel idea!!
Thankyou very much
Wow Gowri, I find it intriguing to see within these images of almost dispassionate moments, there are glimmers of silent poignancy! Amazing to see it work so well in this poetic form. Kudos!
Thankyou very much for reading and appreciating. Glad you liked it.
Gowri, your blackout poems are brilliant. Thank you so much.
Thankyou very much for reading
A unique idea. Loved your blackout poems.
Thankyou very much for reafing.