What is a list poem? This poetry style collects a list of people, places, things, ideas, or even words strung together somewhere within a poem to form a list. It is not necessary for the list to rhythm, but the words used should be memorable. I find the freedom when creating a list poem fascinating. The wordplay can be wild and free similar to Indiana weather in the early spring. Therefore, in March, I plan to write a series of list poems. I will title this one Tornado Warning .
Tornado Warning
Warning scrolls across my TV screen
Adams County
Bartholomew,
Blackford,
Carroll,
Cass,
Clark,
And Clay
Weatherman remains silent
Until the threat is real
Get to the basement
There is a threat coming your way
Radar flashes on the screen
Red and purple with a little green
Climb down the rickety stairs
And set among the dust and spiders
Hiding in their holes and lairs
Torrential rainwater washes down the drain
As the sump pump kicks into high gear
Cower until you’re given the all clear
No reason to bellyache and complain
It’s springtime in Indiana
You know what to expect
Wild weather and blooming flowers
Natures beauty and furry something to respect
Whew! I’m finished with my list poems. It’s a good thing because I’m running out o things to make lists about. The entire adventure into lists poems became more difficult as the month of March came to a close. I ended up talking about the weather, which is a very Hoosier pass time. It’s not unusual to experience all four seasons on the same day.
Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh. To read more of her short stories and adventures, click here.
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Thanks for all the list poems! I’ll give something back to you, referencing a phrase from your post. 😊 It reminded me of one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite bands:
https://youtu.be/dXiIU6ZcXdQ
Bartholomew!!! What a name. That’s poem just by itself. Yes, beauty vs. fury; rose vs. thorn. LOL.
There is actually a county in Indiana. It’s one of the few counties I’ve never explored. Every time the warmings roll across the television screen, I wonder where they came up with the name.
Yes, the name is so distinct and memorable. LOL. So fit for a list poetry or any poetry. It sings and has its own rhythm.
I think the listing of town names was very effective here–like watching the tornado approaching.
It is sort of like that in real life. You glue yourself to the television and try to figure out where your county fits into the flight plan of the tornado.
Yes, we’ve had tornados here in NJ, too–they seem to be coming more regularly. It’s terrifying.