I don’t normally post any of my poetry on my blog (this is why), but this summer I started trying my hand at blackout poetry just as a creative exercise. Seeing as how these are exercises I never really intend to try publishing, I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorites on here from time to time. At least for now I’m only using books I’ve never read, because I don’t want knowledge of the characters and plot to influence the poems I make. Maybe someday I’ll do a project with a book I’ve read instead.
Blackout poetry is when you take something already written – a page out of a book, a magazine or newspaper article, a sale ad, anything! – and black out all but a few chosen words and phrases to create a poem. You’re limited by the words the previous author had already chosen, and the order in which they were written, but other than that it’s up to you!
Some people get really fancy with stamps, illustrations, and colors, (you can Google some pretty incredible examples) but for now I’m sticking to the simple and straightforward, armed with only a Sharpie and the page.
This page is from Hugh C. Rae’s book “The Traveling Soul”.
lissaclouser.com 
Love this. I am a huge fan of black out poetry, both as a reader and as a poet. There’s something magical about giving old text new life. 🙂
I love the idea of black out poetry. I’ve never actually tried it myself but now I really want to!
This is really interesting. I might try this out soon! Thanks for the inspiration. I read your “About Me” page, and I too, do not have any kind of degree in writing. I work in Real Estate (Agent Services, not as an agent) I know… BORING. I work part-time though and it allows me to spend more time writing! I am also a mom, and almost a wife. Only 16 days left until my wedding!
Anyways, I am commenting on your blog because yours is the first one I’ve read on WordPress that draws me in. You seem like an interesting and lovely connection to have. Thanks for having an honest heart for poetry! You don’t have to “make it” in the profession because I can see that you already have. I’d like to read more of your poetry, and I know you don’t post a lot of it on your blog, but let me know if there is another way I can connect to view your poems.
Sincerely,
Heidi-the-sunflower 🙂
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words, Heidi! It’s nice to meet you here. =)
The holidays ended up being a crazy mess (in both good and rough ways) and so I haven’t been posting on here as much as I would like. Hopefully I’ll have more blackout poetry to post soon at least. Who knows, other poetry might show up on here too!
Congratulations on your wedding being so near! I hope your day is an incredible one filled with joy that overflows from you and makes you sparkle like a Disney princess (or whatever sparkly creature you most wish to embody that day!) And once again, thank you. Your words have really uplifted me today and inspired me.
Awwww! Lissa, I completely understand. There is plenty of content on your page that I can dive into while you are catching up from the Holiday season. 😉
I’m glad I was able to inspire you! Shine bright, dear. 🙂
Thank you for your kind words, as well.
-Heidi