A Word with Laurie

Poetry is a packsack* of invisible keepsakes. ~Carl Sandburg

My husband is taking our two boys on a Boy Scout camping trip this weekend called the Spook-O-Ree. They have been preparing for the trip all day: grocery shopping, packing clothes, getting out the tents from the shed, sleeping bags, canteens, backpacks, flashlights, bug spray… and the list goes on. I guess my daughter and I will start Christmas shopping while they are gone which also involves a bit of planning and list making.

Therefore the word for today is list; I want you to write a list poem.

List poem: A poem comprised of a list of specific things connected by an idea which progresses from the beginning to a desired solution at the end. It should make a point or tell a story. The title reveals what/who the list will be about.

The Catch: As always, there is a catch. I want your list poem to involve directions or an element of how to get somewhere. What I have in mind is How To (Not) Get Lost in the Woods because I always worry about my boys when they go camping. Here it is:

How To (Not) Get Lost in the Woods

Wear that neon yellow
t-shirt I packed for you
the one that says
“You’re a Star.”
Carry a whistle
compass rose
water bottle
the big stick
your cell phone
in case you get lost;
aww, heck- put it all
in a backpack
but bend with your knees.
Never go into the woods
alone; remember the buddy
system? Follow the river.
Watch out for spiders,
snakes, bramble, branches,
bears, wild hogs;
aw, heck- never go into
the woods without your dad.

@laurie kolp

Have fun writing your list poem with directions and/or how-to _____. I can't wait to read all your wonderful creations! Thank you.

*packsack: The combination of "knapsack and backpack"