Doug Holder Interviews Poet Brad Rose

What is an Ekphrastic Poem?

What is an Ekphrastic Poem?

An ekphrastic poem is a poem inspired by a work of art. Ekphrastic poems help give words to the feelings inspired by works of art and can amplify the meaning of the artwork. The poem can tell the story of the scene in a painting, express the feelings of the poet as he or she looks at a piece of art, or even contain an imagined dialogue between subjects in the artwork or between the artist and his or her creation.

Here’s an example of the poem Two Monkeys by Brueghel, inspired by the painting of the same name.

How to Write an Ekphrastic Poem:

1. Find a painting or sculpture that interests you. 
2. As you look at the artwork, pay attention to how it makes you feel. Take notes about any sensory impressions it gives you or memories it triggers.
3. Ideas for writing your poem:

• Write about the scene you see in the artwork.
• Think about what the subjects did after the painting. Did they move from that spot? Where did they go?
• Write a conversation between the characters in the piece.
• Write about your experience of looking at the artwork.
• Write as a character in the artwork speaking to the viewer.
• Compare the artwork to something else.
• Imagine a story about the creation of the artwork, or write in the voice of the artist.

Final Exam Question

In Deborah Tannen's article " Sex Lies and Conversations," she states that women often believe that men are not listening to them. Explain Tannen's points--and how they might help you with conversations with other people in general?

Solution Paper Evaluation

What was the problem that was discussed?


Does it seem like an important issue?


Was it presented clearly?


Were technical terms explained?


What was the solution presented?


Were objections presented and answered?


Did  the solution seem feasible?


What evidence was used?


Was proper citation used for outside sources?


Was there a work cited section?


 Grammar issues?

Billy Collins

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4vmiAUMTzA

Argument for Nov. 8 Suicide and Texts

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/suicide-by-text-inyoung-you-charged-with-urging-boyfriend-alexander-urtula-to-kill-himself/

Converting Prose into Poetry

https://zumpoems.com/tag/converting-prose-into-poetry/