Free Verse

Guide

Free Verse is composed of variable, usually unrhymed lines having no fixed metrical pattern.

Rationale: Empathy with historical characters and events has been proven to dramatically increase retention. Research demonstrates that synthesizing information, or taking information and creating new and independent work, increases understanding and retention. Writers will be able to practice their talents.

Instructions: Write using imagery and empathy.

General Guidelines

· Be creative

· Apply learned knowledge

· Insure ease of interpretation

· Use imagery

Free Verse Rubric

possible points	expectations	points earned
1	Stays true to form and elements of effective writing
2	Demonstrates understanding of relevant knowledge
2	Reveals empathy with character or emotional impact of the event
1	Exhibits creativity and originality
2	Conveys voice and tone
8

Free Verse Example

As I Grew Older

By Langston Hughes

It was a long time ago.
I have almost forgotten my dream.
But it was there then,
In front of me,
Bright like a sun--
My dream.
And then the wall rose,
Rose slowly,
Slowly,
Between me and my dream.
Rose until it touched the sky--
The wall.
Shadow.
I am black.
I lie down in the shadow.
No longer the light of my dream before me,
Above me.
Only the thick wall.
Only the shadow.
My hands!
My dark hands!
Break through the wall!
Find my dream!
Help me to shatter this darkness,
To smash this night,
To break this shadow
Into a thousand lights of sun,
Into a thousand whirling dreams
Of sun!