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Cate Marvin - Fragment of the Head of a Queen
Creative Writing Exercises
1. “Alibi Poem” grew out of a writing exercise I assigned myself to generate unusual associations. I wrote a series of statements that began with a gerund and ended with an unlikely noun as the direct object. In the manner of “Alibi Poem,” write a series of activities performed on unlikely, unrelated objects. The activities should not “follow” one another or make sense. What should result is a series of bizarre, unrelated descriptions, and a playful mix of metaphor.
2. The title poem “Fragment of the Head of a Queen” originated from an Egyptian statue of a female head cast in yellow jasper (circa 1353 – 1336 B.C., Dynasty 18) on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Go to a museum and find a piece of artwork to title a poem after. In writing your poem, attempt to describe the piece without revealing its true origin or literal existence.
3. “A Fainting Couch” meditates on an a piece of furniture we don’t see around much nowadays, as women no longer wear corsets and therefore have no need of a place to collapse when “feeling faint.” Find an unusual, outdated piece of furniture or appliance and write a poem exploring the physical and emotional needs it once fulfilled.
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