The Elfje

The Elfje 

I was recently introduced to a Dutch poetry form called an Elfje, which is used in schools to teach children how to write simple poems.  It's a good exercise to get you started if you have a mental block!  It consists of 11 words spread over 5 lines, as follows:-
Line 1: 1 word - a colour or feature to set the atmosphere
Line 2: 2 words - someone or something with this feature
Line 3: 3 words: giving more information about the person or object - eg describe where/ who the object is and what they are doing.  The line usually starts with he/she/It
Line 4: 4 words - something about yourself in relation to the object,  your conclusion.
Line 5: 1 word - the "bomb" or essence of the poem.

As I was on a cruise ship at the time,  it's hardly surprising I came up with this.

Grey
Choppy waves
Rise and fall
I stand in awe
Ocean.


© Copyright 2018. Chris Auger. All Rights Reserved.

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