Writing can be an awesome tool of expression for individuals and groups. Lots of folks have some worry about writing, usually because of our education and academic culture that applies heavy judgement and critique to particular standards. Reclaim it!
This workshop is an opportunity for a group to bring about a collective response. Duck, my brilliant partner, created this as an adpation to some of the Surrealist Era exercises she’s learned. I’ve adapted it as a counter-oppression tool.
Collective Poetry for Liberation
Group size: Four or more (max 10)
Time: 15-45 minutes, depending on size
Supplies: Paper for each participant, writing tools. For certain topics, papers already include a group word at the bottom. Example: “power,” “race,” “listen”
Action:
- Facilitator gives introduction to game and gives one line example (given below). For more information on Surrealist exercises, see here.
- Papers are distributed. For a particular agenda, prepare the papers with a group word at the bottom. Example: “power,” “race,” “listen”
- Participants write a line on the theme word at the bottom of the paper, beginning with the first letter of the theme word. Example: Word is “Power.” Written line becomes: “Pushing his foot on the neck below him…”
- Once everyone has written their first line, participants fold paper back so that their line is hidden, then write the next letter.
- Papers pass to the left.
- Exercise continues until the entire word is filled in with corresponding lines written by all the participants. For small groups with longer words, participants may write more than one line.
- When poems are finished, participants read poems aloud. Facilitator may choose to have discussion for each poem individually (suggested for larger groups) or collectively (easier for smaller groups).
Discussion Questions:
- What stuck out for you? Particular lines or ideas?
- What is the power of collective ideas on themes?
- How do collective ideas affect this group?
Facilitator may pick specific questions addressing a theme, especially if the topics are charged or have weight in the particular group. It’s important that the discussion is focused on the ideas and group response as opposed to the skill or craft of the writing–this isn’t a writing workshop!
One of my favorite examples was written collectively by me and two other friends. It is almost creepily coherent. Note: This piece was written creatively, not for as part of an anti-oppression discussion.
Elderly
Even now, at the end
Lethargy rules the bedpan kingdom
Donald picked up his fork and examined it, his jowls hanging in
the steel reflection
Even though now, my skin flakes like ash
Roasting logs by our tired fires
Lazy eye tucked behind her orange kerchief, she licked her mouth
to say:
You can’t remember regretting.
