Poetry on Wheels
For the last year or so, the NDSU English department and a number of English classes here have been providing poems for the Fargo/Moorhead bus system to post on their buses. The idea is to give people something to read on their daily commutes, to promote appreciation for art and poetry, and to make good poems available to everyone—the average guy on the street.
You will help with this community endeavor and gain some course credit in the process. You will also sharpen your critical skills and gain a little experience as a poetry editor.
Instructions
For the next three weeks: be searching for poems by other writers which you think will work well on the buses. Short-short pieces are best, and remember that these are for public display—so nothing too controversial or potentially offensive. The work can be in any genre and from any historical period (including contemporary). Find 3 good poems and email these as a single Word document to the rest of the class.
Also over the next few weeks: write 3 short-short poems of your own which you think will display well. Again, email these to the rest of the class as a single Word document. Don’t forget to title your poems.
Due Date
March 23rd, a couple hours before class time (sooner if possible).
Credit Earned
This project is counted as checked/unchecked weekly work. The original poems you write for the project may be used in your final chapbook and will count for credit there as well.
Original poems which make the final selection can be considered “published” once they appear on the buses. This is an accomplishment suitable for a job resume, graduate school application, or vita.