ERASURE+POEM

=="Erasure" is the process of erasing. An ERASURE POEM starts with a page of text and emerges as the poet erases all the words and sentences that do not belong in the poem. What's left are words and phrases that make a new meaning out of the words on the page -- which may or may not have anything to do with the original text itself.==

==If you Google "erasure poems," you will see hundreds of examples of these. Some poets like to use colors and images to add meaning to their work, while others simply black out the words they decide not to use.==

==Next, find a starting word or phrase toward the top of the page that can anchor the poem. Sometimes it's easiest to use a noun, such as a person's name or a pronoun like "He" or "She." Or you can start with a phrase that sets up a setting or tone. CIRCLE or UNDERLINE this word.==

==Then scan down the page, looking for where the sentence can go. This will probably be a verb or verb phrase. Let the poem move in interesting or surprising ways! Continue to circle or underline the words and phrases as you move down the page.==