Poetry Puzzler:
Battle back chemobrain with your pen
What's that word? You know, the one that means that thing? C'mon, you use it all the
time, but you just can't seem to find it. But you know it. Of course you know it.
Ergh, chemobrain!
Cancer survivors often use the word chemobrain to describe a lack of
concentration and mental clarity. Researchers are still working to understand
whether this phenomenon is caused by treatment, the general stress and anxiety
related to a cancer diagnosis or other factors.
In the meantime, though, a good mental workout can't hurt. Kodi Scheer, the coordinator
of creative writing workshops at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center,
put together these poetry exercises. Grab a pen and have fun!
Persona Poem
An example of the "Persona Poem".
Choose a person and compose a poem according to these instructions:
On line one: person's first name
On line two: Four adjectives that describe that person; separated by commas
On the next lines (fill in and arrange as you wish): Friend of [name one], Loves [name three], Scared of [name three -- separate with commas and "and"]
Wants to see [list three -- separate with commas and "and"]
On it's own line: fill in "resident of ...?"
Finish with the person's last name.
Sausage Poem
A "sausage poem" is a string of words becomes linked by the beginning
and ending letters (or sounds). For a challenge, compose a poem
with similar sounds and letters, including the first and last words, to
make a complete circle. [see example at left].
Diamante Poem
This type takes the shape of a diamond. We've turned the instructions into a
printable document [pdf] so you can take it with you, or share.
To RSVP for a creative writing workshop or other
Complementary Therapy services at the Cancer Center, call 1-877-408-7377 (PFSS).
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View a calendar including upcoming creative writing classes.
