How to Write a VIP Poem

Writing poetry takes little more than focus and a writing utensil.

A VIP poem is not very long, but it packs a lot of meaning into its words. It does just what it suggests: a VIP poem allows you to honor a Very Important Person in a personalized way. Writing a VIP poem allows you to evaluate your feelings about special people who have influenced your life in a positive way. The emotional and evaluative benefits remain the your, whether or not your VIP reads the poem.

Instructions

1. Select the name of a very important person who you admire and write it down. The person you choose can be a relative, mentor, activist, entertainer or any person you believe is very important. This is the first line of the poem.

2. List three adjectives that illustrate how that person looks or that reflect the person's personality, separating them with a comma. This is the second line of the poem.

3. Write down other people or things you associate with your very important person. Limit the association to a brief phrase or several words. This is the third line of the poem.

4. Add three --ed or --ing ending words that describe actions associated with your VIP. Write these actions down as the fourth line of the VIP poem.

5. Describe the time or location that the actions are performed. Write your description as the fifth line of the poem.

6. Write your overall opinion of the VIP you selected or your reaction to your VIP's life or deeds. This will be the sixth and final line of your VIP poem.

Tips & Warnings

• You may find that a quiet work environment will help you concentrate.

• If you're stuck and are not sure what to write, consider doing a brainstorming technique to get your creativity back. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill suggests using a dictionary, thesaurus or any available reference book as a brainstorming technique to overcome writer's block. Writing poetry with a thesaurus close by is helpful when you have a word in mind that you could use, but want to explore synonyms to vary your word choice.

• Even if you find yourself frustrated or overwhelmed when writing your VIP poem, do not be tempted to plagiarize. What makes poetry delightful is its personal aspect. Many times, frustration comes from a lack of focus or even trying too hard. Try to find a balance. Relax and concentrate on getting your ideas down. You can always go back and edit until you are satisfied.

References

• Donaldson Career Center: Music in Verse, Poetry
• Glenbrae School: VIP Poems

Resources

• The Nemours Foundation: How to Make Homework Less Work
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Brainstorming