Protections

As we approach the end of 2022, I decided to add a twist to my Black Out Poems. I plan to take a dry insurance manual I received in the mail and attempt to create something interesting in the repetitive jargon this books often contain. The author is unknown, so I’m not sure who to credit I imagine the writer as some anonymous desk jockey employed by the agency. I plan to play with these words and make them into something interesting using free verse. This challenge should step things up in my adventure with black-out poetry. This poem I created from my rescued book is titled, Protections.

 .About the Black Out Poem Protections

Poet takes a black marker and redacts words until a poem is formed. It is important to note the text and redacted words form a visual poem.

Method to use

1. Identify source text. The source can be a newspaper, a book page, or written text.

2. Draw a box around keywords or phrases.

3. Make Connections between boxes. (This is optional.)

4. Color the rest with a marker. You can use any color. The most common color used is black.

I found this style of creating a poem unique from anything I’ve ever tried before. The words are already provided, and the challenge is to make something poetic out of the text. I’m excited to see what I can do with this dry insurance manual text.

Protections

What are my rights?
All people
Have certain protections
Ge treated 
With courtesy, dignity, and respect
Information kept private
In a way, you understand
In clear language

Participate in decisions
Get answers to your
Questions
Have access
In an emergency
Get a decision
Files a claim
Get a decision
Won’t be covered
Your drug plan

You have the right
If you disagree
Request a review
Be able to file complaints
Grievances

Who is Molly Shea?

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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