The Found Poem

The found poem is called just that because it is not one the writer set out to write.  For example, in a creative writing class students may choose words from a variety of literature sitting before them that really strikes a cord.  Unbeknown that the words thay have chosen will be passed on for someone else to use and create a poem from.  This amazing piece was written by a truly gifted writer, Jillian Quinn, from ten words another student picked out.  As writers, we all know how challenging writing can be but try creating something as eloquent as this with someone else's words.  It is just a hunch, but I think Jillian has yet to see what a true gift she has.  With her modesty will come riveting work that I look forward to seeing in the future.

The Found Poem

The old gnarled tree, all twisting twine and thistle jowls,
Scabby with bark, and knotted in bowed knuckles,

Wore a crown of wood tips, bald of leaves.
His branches whistled in the spirit, not of malevolence, but of an aged thing,
As a storm approached from an ocean due east.

A time ago he had hollowed, he no longer stretched towards the sun.

Crooked and hunched he came to wonder,
If he were to fall by no one would he make a sound?
When some merciful wind left him fallen,
Would he be dawned to repent, or in opposition be stricken by nothingness?
Become bloodless, possessed as the pulp of the earth, and in death return to awe.

To the dirt, to spring mushrooms, and to the stomachs of birds,
To fly in some alter sky, without swaying heavy with limbs .

This, the old tree hoped, branches welcoming to wilder winds,
To caramelize for the flowers until each bit of him oblivion consumed,
To become something as simple as twine and thistle blooms. 

 Copyright © Jillian Quinn 2011