Austin Kleon, in his book, "Newspaper Blackout," says that "by destroying writing you can create new writing." I love the concept. He took newspapers and crossed out words and made his own poetry. newspaper-blackout-poems 

Instead of taking newspapers, I chose a book titled "People of the Book." (My apologies to author Geraldine Brooks.) I chose this book because I love the cover, the title seemed perfect, and I had two copies of it in my house.

I took the book and marker along while I waited for my daughter's orthodontist appointment. It fit in my purse. No large messy foldy newspaper. And I filled the room with the scent of permanent marker, not looking up until my daughter, finished and smiling, stood beside my chair. 

Here's my first try.

(figures curled together on a corner of polished paper

painted with amusement

so?

He just looked.

I blurted

What do you see?

A horse's tail flying, a mane, the rider's brocade jacket)

 

How did that poem come out of a sad book about war? 

I believe: We all carry pages of writing and stories within. Perhaps we can take the stories we've been handed in life and cross-them-out and mark-them-up and create something all together different. A better poetry.

My daughter was intrigued. What better way to learn? She chose, "The Bad Beginning," and began well!