I recentlly discovered a technique, probably others have used it, of teaching students how to write original poetry. You choose a song you like, and you write a poem that follows that song’s rythym and rhyme scheme and tone if possible. It seems to work, at least for me. After I did this, I thought about how many great songs have used previously written melodies. The Irish were quite fond of doing this, I know. Just an idea, and I hope it helps.

School is officially out. It takes me a few days to slip out of the numbness teaching high school inflicts. I spent today doing chores, work on house and yard, etc. Tomorrow I should be ready to attack my writing in a fury.