Blackout Poetry

Blackout Poetry: Finding Meaning in Another’s Words

“It may be said that poems are in one way like icebergs: only about a third of their bulk appears above the surface of the page.” - Howard Nemerov

We talked about poetry being used in a therapeutic sense in our last post and I believe this is an opportunity to talk about a type of poetry that doesn’t need the person to come up with the words or metaphors. Blackout Poetry is the art of taking an existing page, such as a newspaper or book, and blacking out everything except the words you want. These words can be random choice, every 3rd word, or some other chosen pattern.

Here is a great guide to creating your own blackout poetry:

1. Decide on a text you’ll like to work with. Many modern blackout poets use articles found online, but you can also use old books, other poems, newspapers, magazines– whatever you can find that features words you can blackout! This is where your initial inspiration comes into play. Look over the text you chosen for words that relate to the poem you wish to create! Depending on your chosen text this can be rather simple or more difficult, so don’t sweat taking your time!

2. Circle your chosen words BEFORE blacking out the rest of the passage. Do this with a pencil or with the marker you are using to black out the passages. This keeps everything neat and tidy and allows you to go back and edit your poem before you reach the point of no return.

3. Create your poem! Before blacking out anything, do one final read through. Read it outloud and backwards until you feel you are pleased with the end result!

4. Finally, it’s time for the art! Take your chosen blacking out marker or pen and begin to black out all of the words that are not your chosen words. You can blackout the words in any way you wish– many blackout poets do artful squiggles or make designs with the ink. This is the best time to let your imagination flow.

When the ink dries, your poem is done!

Blackout Poetry is a great way to help find and express the feelings and emotion that poetry brings, but in a way that doesn’t require the stereotypical “poet language”. There is also a more physical art to it. While many examples are black ink on paper, some use it as a physical art medium as well, adding color and images to their chosen words to help give the feeling they are expressing through the words. We’ve included some examples!

Take a page and go create your own blackout poetry!