Found Poetry: How to Create Meaning from Random Words

Writing poetry sounds intimidating, but guess what? You don’t have to write a single original word to make something beautiful.

Step 1: Find Your Words

Grab an old book, newspaper, junk mail, or even a menu. Scan the page and pick out words or phrases that stand out.

Step 2: Black Out or Cut & Rearrange

There are two ways to create found poetry:

• Blackout Poetry: Use a marker to cross out words, leaving behind only the ones that form a poem.
• Cut & Paste Poetry: Physically cut out words and rearrange them like a ransom note (but make it artsy).

Step 3: Add Your Own Touch

Glue the words into your journal, doodle around them, add colors that match the mood. Your journal is your stage—let your poem perform.