This column by Tom Radzienda, an instructor in poetry and culture at Srinakharinwirot University, aims to encourage your interest and develop your skill in creating poetry. Poetry is a combination of visualisation, observation, imagination and creative use of language. Discover your poetic side, too!

Poetic observer Observation is one of the most important skills in writing poetry. Those with a keen eye for detail can accurately and convincingly present a scene through poetry. Specific details are the key ingredient to presenting a definite and insightful theme. This observation activity is best conducted outdoors, preferably in a park, in a forest, or some other natural setting. It can be done individually, or in a group setting with one person reading the directions for observation. Prepare a pen and paper before beginning your observations. Sound map Begin the observation as an analysis of sound. Close your eyes and focus wholly on your sense of hearing. Keep your eyes closed and make a "sound map" of the area where you are sitting. Identify each detail, a bird, a cricket, a human voice, a motorcycle, etc. as it enters your awareness. Determine how near or how far each sound is from you. Distinguish between each bird sound and the mood of the birds. For motorcycles and cars, picture whether they are coming nearer, going away, or idling nearby. Through all of these details, you will be able to "map" the whole scene through your ears. Take this one step deeper and isolate the smallest, finest details of sound. Listen for a random leaf falling on your table, or possible the bark of a distant dog that you hadn’t recognised earlier. Once your sound map of the area is complete, open your eyes and write down your most interesting observations. A touch of breeze Turn your full attention now to your sense of touch. As in the previous section, begin to make a "tactile map" of the area around you. Begin by closing your eyes and touching the ground, tree or table where you are sitting. Run your fingertips gently over each surface and identify each surface as smooth or rough; plastic or metal; wood or steel, etc. This is a method of "reading" with your fingertips. Move your attention now to the wider environment. Make yourself aware of the temperature, the breeze and the humidity in the air. "Read" the air with your skin and be deeply aware of the quality of the environment around you. When you have thoroughly "mapped" the area around you, open your eyes and promptly write down your observations. Taste and smell the poem The next two senses are a little harder to activate at a deep level, so more concentration is required. From where you are sitting, inhale deeply through your nose and try to recognise the smell. In some cases it might be obvious, such as the smell of a car. In other cases, it might be very general, such as the smell of a forest. Sniff deeply and try to recognise the specific smell that surrounds you. Write down your observations and description of the smell as distinctly as possible. You can also taste the environment around you, if this is suitable. Flowers, foods, leaves, clothes, etc. can be brought closer to your tongue and nose for inspection. If possible, have a friend hold various objects to your nose such as an orange, seaweed, a hat, etc. to see how accurately you can define your environment. Selection So far, your notes are simply a list of detailed observations. Having collected a variety of sensations from your ears, fingers, nose and tongue, it is time to prioritise your observations. Which of your observations is most unique or startling to you? Are you surprised by the heightened awareness of your senses? Choose either the sound of the birds, the smell of the soil, or the texture of the tree trunk, as the focus of your poem. Theme in things Let the details of the observations suggest a theme to you, rather than plan a specific theme. By focusing on particular sensations, the direction of your theme will emerge. As you organise your observations line by line into stanzas, your poem will slowly take shape. Your poem will advise you what it’s meant to be about, rather than you making conscious decisions about theme. Reciprocal causation As you select the details to include in your poem, your theme will emerge. As your theme emerges, your selection of details will gradually be determined. This process is called "reciprocal causation." This simply means that the observations lead to the theme, while the theme guides the selection of details. Surprise: The eyes The sense of sight dominates our daily observation of the world, so it has been purposely withheld until the very end. Now you can use your eyes to assemble the complete setting of your poem. Add details of colour, size and shape as you bring unity to your poem. You can send your poem by email. Mark the subject line: Poet Tree and send to this address: learningpost@bangkokpost.co.th Visit Tom's poetry column at http://www.bangkokpost.com/poetry

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Last modified: June 16, 2003