Here are some tips on reciting found poetry. Much found poetry is only truly found once it is recited. Remember, you are harking back to ancient times, when learning took place by listening and speaking. The blood of the bard runs through your veins....
Start with some un-found poetry. Made up poems. Try Dylan Thomas. Now then, please in your best Richard Burton voice:
Do not go gently into the dark night,
but rage! rage against the dying of the light!
or the gorgeous 'new rhythm' of Hopkins:
The world is charged with the grandeur of God.
It will flame out, like shining from shook foil;
It gathers to a greatmess, like the ooze of oil
Crushed.
Here are two poems found in song lyrics. Both of them are all in the reciting. The first one comprises most of the lyric of a rap song. It should be spoken as if you are reading Dr Seuss to a child, or maybe presenting a children's play. Use your brightest, enthusiastic voice and cock your head to one side. Go for a sort of maxed out perky:
This is why
this is why
this is why
I'm hot!
I'm hot
'cos I'm fly
you ain't
'cos you're not
This is why
this is why
this is why
I'm hot!!
OK, the next one is lyrics by Marilyn Manson and it needs to be recited in serious, credible tones as if reading the news on public radio:
You can't see the wood
for the trees.
You can't smell the shit
when you're on your knees.
The beautiful people
the beautiful people
the beautiful people.
i think Marilyn (whose actual name is Brian Turner, and Brian Turner is a well known New Zealand poet. Ha!) anyway i think Marilyn would approve and maybe so would Brian.
