I was inspired to try some book spine poetry when I saw the lovely poem Valerie created at Books Can Save A Life. And, once I got going, I didn’t want to stop. It was so much fun. I did have to stop, though, as I was getting ready to host a book club meeting that night. So, here are the three poems I created while I procrastinated cleaning my kitchen.
Poem 1
This Happy Marriage
A good house
An equal music
Sweetness in the belly
Too much happiness
Never let me go.
Poem 2
The Republic of Nothing
The little shadows
The space between us
All the light we cannot see
The inheritance of loss
Birds without wings
In another place, not here.
Poem 3
The Pursuit of Happyness
Life is a wheel
Pedal.
I’d love to hear yours!
If you want to see more, here are the winners of the 2015 Book Spine Poetry Contest at the Saskatchewan Public Library.
Consumed by Ink 
What a lovely idea!
I will spend some time this weekend perusing the spines of the books in my home library and hopefully find some inspiration.
It’s going to be so fun. 🙂
Let us know what you come up with! Have fun!
That last one, oof. Great job. You read Pedal?
Not yet! I started it once, but wasn’t in the mood for reading that young-directionless-university-aged feel at the time. I should try it again soon. Have you?
Oh how LOVELY!
Thank you. 🙂
Wonderful!
Thanks! 🙂
Beautiful Naomi. Love the contrast between the first two. The last short one is a classic.
It was so much fun. Thanks for the inspiration! I might do it again this weekend.
Such fun! I’m going to have to give this a try over the weekend 🙂
Yes, do it! Then let us know what you came up with!
Fantastic – this is the best thing ever! 🙂
It was fun!
Oh this is great. I’m going to do this on instagram this weekend. Warning: I’m not poetically inclined. So it’ll probably sound like lump of awful: http://www.grubstreet.com/2016/04/calvin-trillin-chinese-food-new-yorker-poem.html
The best part about it is that even the ‘poetically-uninclined’ can do it!
These are great! You’ve really managed to tie the titles together to create genuine feeling, and I love the way the first two are kinda the opposite sides of the story. Brilliant! 🙂
That last part was just a fluke… but I’m glad you like it! 🙂
I love these–especially that first one! 🙂
Thanks! 🙂
I can’t even tell you how wonderful this is. I love the last one!
I have to admit that I was nervous about posting it – I was worried everyone would think they were silly. But, I should have known my book people would approve. 🙂
Interesting exercise.
Fun exercise! What books do you have handy?
Geez. I have tons. Don’t know where to begin.
I chose one for my title and went from there.
Love these poems you created from titles, especially perhaps the last one which is so succinctly put and made me smile 🙂
Thanks, Bina! That one made me smile, too. 🙂
What a brilliant idea! I love the poems (and books!) you came up with! I will look through my shelves this weekend to see what I come up with. Thanks for sharing!
I love that you did this with your son! I tried to get my kids on it, but they weren’t convinced. I will keep trying, though!
Yes, I was surprised he jumped at the chance! We had had a little “argument” right before and I thought I’d invite him to do something fun and then he ended up getting carried away. Have your kids seen your creations? I hope they’ll try it!
Yes, they’ve seen them! Maybe if I gave out prizes… ha!
ha! Yes, maybe silliest poem or something like that 😉 Hope they can get on board with you!
I loved all of it, Naomi. My favourite is the last one. So beautiful. 🙂
Thanks, Deepika!
Enjoyed seeing what yiu came up with. Amazing to think there is actually a contest – are yiu thinking of entering yours next time?
This contest was in Saskatchewan. As far as I know, our library has never done it. Maybe I should suggest it…
I may be a little late to the game on this but I just tripped over your wonderful post and you inspired me to try it. What fun!
Here’s what I came up with:
https://fractal-thoughts.com/2016/08/18/a-curators-quest-a-book-spine-poem/
Thank you! And I’m glad you decided to give it a try! I’m off to see your poem.. 🙂