Found poems take existing texts and reuse them, re-order them, and then present them as a new poem. Found poems are like a collage only instead of using images, the author uses existing text to create a new poem. Most found poems take existing good language and “improve it.”

In this assignment, you will create a piece of found poetry using the text from written documents on imperialism or colonization. To create a found poem, select words, phrases, and sentences from the written documents and combine them into a poem. The material for poems can be selected from many different sources such as:

• Newspaper articles
• Speeches
• Diaries
• Letters
• Manuscripts from plays

Once you have found all of the selected pieces for your found poem, write a poem of at least four stanzas comprised of four lines. In your poetry, incorporate key words and phrases to convey your ideas or views of imperialism/colonization.

You can start selecting pieces for your found poem using “The White Man’s Burden.” Of course, you should feel free to visit other websites in order to select more words, phrases, and sentences when appropriate. You may want to start by searching the Library of Congress for literature on imperialism/colonization.

Know that there is no best strategy for completing a found poem. The words and phrases selected make the poem and depend on your purpose. Be creative and select words and phrases that create imagery. Before you begin, review the Found Poetry Checklist to make sure that you include all of the items required for full credit. You may need to use resources outside of this course to complete this assignment. If so, please submit a Works Cited document. If you need assistance, visit the Developmental Module for information on citing any resources that you use.

Once you have completed your poem, please submit your work to the dropbox.