What is Blackout Poetry?

Blackout poetry, also known as erasure poetry or redaction poetry, is a form of found poetry where you take an existing text – typically from a book, newspaper, or magazine – and redact or black out certain words, phrases, and sections. The remaining words create a new poem or message. It’s a fascinating way to repurpose existing content and unlock hidden meanings within the original text. The blackout poetry technique relies on selective erasure, transforming something old into something new and thought-provoking.

Think of it as being an archaeologist of words. You’re digging through layers of text to uncover something beautiful and unexpected. The beauty of blackout poetry lies in its simplicity and accessibility. You don’t need to be a skilled writer or artist to create impactful pieces. All you need is a source text, a marker, and a willingness to experiment.

Gathering Your Supplies for Blackout Poetry

One of the best things about blackout poetry is that it doesn’t require a lot of expensive or specialized materials. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to get started:

• Source Text: This can be anything from an old book or newspaper to a magazine article or even a printed-out document. Thrift stores and library sales are great places to find inexpensive books to use. Consider the tone and subject matter of the text, as it will influence the type of poem you create.
• Black Marker: A thick black marker is essential for blacking out the unwanted text. A permanent marker will provide the best coverage and prevent the underlying text from showing through. Brands like Sharpie are popular choices.
• Pencil: Use a pencil to lightly circle or underline the words you want to keep before you start blacking out the rest of the text. This will help you visualize your poem and avoid mistakes.
• Eraser: For correcting any pencil marks or adjustments you want to make before finalizing your blackout poetry piece.
• Ruler (Optional): A ruler can be helpful for creating clean, straight lines when blacking out text. This can give your poem a more polished and structured look.
• Scissors/Craft Knife (Optional): For cutting out specific sections of text or creating more intricate designs around your poem. This adds another layer of visual interest to your blackout poetry.
• Embellishments (Optional): You can further enhance your blackout poetry with colored markers, paint, glitter, or other decorative elements. This is a great way to personalize your work and add your unique artistic flair.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Blackout Poetry

Now that you have your supplies, let’s dive into the process of creating your own blackout poetry:

Step 1: Choose Your Source Text

Select a page from your chosen source text. Read through the page carefully, paying attention to individual words and phrases that stand out to you. Don’t overthink it at this stage; just let your intuition guide you. Think about themes, feelings, or stories that the words evoke in you.

Step 2: Identify Key Words and Phrases

As you read, start circling or underlining words and phrases that resonate with you. These will be the building blocks of your poem. Consider the overall message you want to convey and choose words that contribute to that message. Remember, the blackout poetry technique is about finding a new narrative within the existing text.

Step 3: Plan Your Poem’s Structure

Before you start blacking out any text, take a moment to plan the structure of your poem. How do the words you’ve selected flow together? Do they form a coherent sentence or a more abstract arrangement? Experiment with different arrangements to see what works best. Consider the visual impact of your poem as well. The arrangement of the words on the page can be just as important as the words themselves.

Step 4: Black Out the Unwanted Text

Now comes the fun part! Using your black marker, carefully black out all the text around the words and phrases you’ve chosen to keep. Take your time and be precise. If you accidentally black out a word you wanted to keep, don’t worry! You can always try to salvage it by carefully using a white gel pen or correction fluid. There are many other options like adding designs with gel pens or adding watercolor paint. The blackout poetry technique really allows for a lot of creativity.

Step 5: Add Visual Elements (Optional)

Once you’ve blacked out the unwanted text, you can add visual elements to your poem to enhance its impact. This could include drawing lines, shapes, or patterns around the remaining words. You can also use colored markers, paint, or other embellishments to add depth and texture to your piece. This is where you can really let your creativity shine.

Step 6: Final Touches and Reflection

Take a step back and admire your creation. Are you happy with the overall look and feel of your poem? Are there any areas that need to be tweaked or adjusted? Once you’re satisfied, sign your name and date your artwork. Reflect on the process and the meaning behind your poem. What did you discover about yourself or the original text through this creative exercise?

Tips and Tricks for Blackout Poetry

Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you create stunning blackout poetry:

• Experiment with different source texts: Don’t limit yourself to books and newspapers. Try using old letters, postcards, or even instruction manuals. Each type of text will offer a unique set of words and possibilities.
• Consider the visual impact: Think about how the blacked-out areas will look on the page. Experiment with different patterns and shapes to create a visually appealing composition.
• Don’t be afraid to break the rules: There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to blackout poetry. Feel free to experiment with different techniques and approaches to find what works best for you.
• Embrace happy accidents: Sometimes, the most interesting and unexpected poems come from mistakes or chance encounters with words.
• Share your work: Once you’ve created a few blackout poetry pieces, share them with others. You can post them on social media, display them in your home, or even submit them to literary magazines or art galleries.
• Use different markers: Try using different sizes and types of markers to create different effects. A fine-tipped marker can be used for adding details, while a broad-tipped marker is ideal for blacking out large areas of text.
• Think about themes: Before you start, think about a theme or emotion you want to explore in your poem. This will help you focus your search for relevant words and phrases.
• Read your poem aloud: Once you’ve finished your poem, read it aloud to hear how it sounds. This can help you identify any areas that need to be tweaked or adjusted.

Examples of Blackout Poetry

To give you some inspiration, here are a few examples of blackout poetry:

Example 1: A page from a science textbook is transformed into a poem about the vastness of space and the mysteries of the universe. The blacked-out areas create a star-like pattern around the remaining words.

Example 2: A page from a newspaper article about politics is turned into a poem about truth, power, and deception. The remaining words are arranged in a way that creates a sense of urgency and unease.

Example 3: A page from a romance novel is transformed into a poem about heartbreak, loss, and resilience. The blacked-out areas create a sense of emptiness and isolation.

Why Blackout Poetry is a Great Creative Outlet

Blackout poetry technique offers a multitude of benefits as a creative outlet:

• Accessibility: It requires minimal materials and no specialized skills. Anyone can do it!
• Creativity boost: It challenges you to think outside the box and find new meanings in existing text.
• Stress relief: The process of creating blackout poetry can be very meditative and relaxing.
• Self-expression: It allows you to express your thoughts and feelings in a unique and creative way.
• Upcycling: It’s a great way to repurpose old books and newspapers, giving them a new lease on life.
• Mindfulness: The act of carefully selecting words and blacking out text can promote mindfulness and focus.
• Unexpected Discoveries: You might stumble upon hidden meanings and connections you never anticipated.