Lesson 4.02 Rhythm and Blues

• Introduction
• Learn
• Try It
• Task

Introduction

"I would define, in brief, the poetry of words as the rhythmical creation of Beauty."

- Edgar Allan Poe

Poetry is often compared to music. In fact, many recorded songs began as poems. Elements of poetry such as rhythm, time, and meter are often found in both songs and poetry. Evidence of figurative language is also present: alliteration, imagery, metaphor, hyperbole, as well as many others.

Visit National Public Radio's web page "Poems in Song: Turning Words into Jazz" and listen to the five poems listed below.

1. "Leaning into the Afternoons... (Inclinado en las Tardes...)"

2. "The Waking"

3. "I Carry Your Heart"

4. "Dansons la Gigue"

5. "Strange Fruit"

 

Lesson Objectives

Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to... Practice poetry writing skills such as rhythm, rhyming, and meter. Identify various elements of poetry in music. The above objectives correspond with the Creative Writing Course Standards.