In a concrete poem or a shape poem, the shape of the poem echoes the content of the poem.
So, not only do you read the poem for its sense but you can also see what it is about from its
shape. For instance, if you wanted to write a poem about a dinosaur, you would write it
inside the shape of a dinosaur.
One way to start is to draw an outline of what the poem is about, say an animal. Then you
can write or type your poem into the outline.
A second way is to write or type your poem and then play with it until you end up with the
shape you want.
A third way is to write or type your poem and then cut it up or break it up to fit a shape you
have drawn or planned.
If you don’t have enough lines to fit your outline or drawing, this is where you can have a lot
of fun playing with the lines to make them fit. For instance, you might change the font or
size of a word to emphasize its meaning. You might change the word bigger to read bigger,
BIGGER or BIGGER and the word smaller to read smaller or s-m-a-l-l-e-r.
Is the shape you want symmetrical, that is, is each side a mirror image of the other? If so,
and you are working on a computer, centre your typing.
To give you the idea of how to go about writing a concrete poem, here is one about a bird.
First I pictured the bird lying on the lawn like an aeroplane and then typed in the words to fit
the shape.

Can you think of an animal or bird to write about? Give it a try.
Do you like going to a carnival or a show? Here is one about a carnival clown.

Could you write a concrete poem about a carnival or show?
What things do you like doing? Do you like to play a sport or read a book? Do you think
about what you want to be or about going on holiday or about flying to the moon? Could you
write a concrete poem about something you like doing?
Have a fun time!