2). Black out some words (or select some) or both.
3). Type up and read, edit if desired.
4). Repeat. Enjoy the variations.
I followed two rules: 1) all words in the Erasure Poem must be in the order that they appear in the source document and 2) all words must remain in their original form (i.e. the same tense or person). I made an exception to rule two and updated archaic spellings.
This technique, very popular in altered book circles, is one I’ve used for collage, but never for poetry. Relative to the historic fiction I’m writing (Eliza is one of the main characters), I was curious what might be revealed — anything new or useful about Eliza or her circumstances?
Letter from Eliza
to her Father, 1740
ONE
Honorable Sir,
Words to express the situation
beyond expression
the fearful immediate
danger
as I must own some
advantages
such as honor, perhaps profit too.
Put in with my just cause
the love you avoid
by unjust means.
The assurance that this life
depends on Dear Sir,
you.
Injurious to imagine
Heroism.
I deserve
this time.
You always persevere
Honorable Sir.
Your Daughter
***
Letter from Eliza
to her Father, 1740
TWO
To Colonel,
I want words
from you.
The situation terrifies us.
Immediate danger.
I must own
You are sensible.
Might some advantages arise
such as honor, profit too,
mere trifles
in the balance?
A just cause in preference
to every other means.
Courage enough
to will the thought
unworthy of you.
To pretend to Heroism
should conceal fears
and affections.
Always prayer.
Your most obedient
Daughter
***
Letter from Eliza
to her Father, 1740
THREE
To Sir,
I want words under you, us
Beyond and increased
Some place to differ
There, when put in the balance
Life
A just cause
Love
You avoid the assurance
that this welfare
injurious, I deserve.
To pretend
Heroism, I conceal
perpetual apprehensions.
I am always the prayer.
Your Eliza
***
Letter from Eliza
to her Father, 1740
FOUR
I am sensible and
I esteem the fight
as well as the love
Advantages arise
These mere trifles
honored a just cause
as well as every means
to retract anything more
than I deserve.
Mama and the Almighty
The constant prayer
Your obedient Eliza
Dada
you gave me an idea with this two-syllable comment. another way to try this, which would be even more in keeping with Dada principles, would be to throw dice as a way to determine the word selections.
it may not come across, but I was making selections based on some sort of meaning or sense
have you read The Dice Man by Luke Rhinehart circa early 70’s?
PS very much of it’s time and would be looked down on now as extremely “politically incorrect” but still a favourite that continues to influenced my life on many levels.
No and haven’t even heard of it. Influenced you how? My most recent reference to dice is the pair of twins in “Luther” (BBC cop show) who select their murder victims with dice as if they were playing “Magic”.
in reply to how The Dice Man has influenced this wild ride of a life on the edge of the flighty nature of chance… well, it’s been a wild ride up til now and still is, read the book and we can talk further OK?
It’s a deal. Reading Colson Whitehead new novel: The Underground Railroad right now.
brilliant
i don’t know about that, but certainly interesting. I could really get hooked on this, I think.
oh, okay then, not quite brilliant,rather Very Clever 😉
fascinating writing technique, and discussion. I wish I could read more (read faster). Must practice… I loved studying Dadaism in art history class.
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