POEM STARTER
Write a poem that has three narrative voices.
These three voices may be in a conversation with another, or they can be given separate stanzas. Try to give them each a clear voice that distinguishes who is narrating.
Seashells
**"I think you look really great today!"**
_He's just trying to take advantage of you, he doesn't really mean it._
Stop telling me that. He does mean it. "Thank you, you look nice too!"
**"Aww, you're so sweet. So, are you excited for tonight?"**
_Look at the way he grabs your hand, like he owns it. Pathetic. I can't believe you're falling for this._
Go away. "Yeah! I've got this sweater that has so many pockets in it, so I was thinking-"
**"Oh my gosh, we can sneak so much candy in!"**
"Exactly!"
_Laughter. Like you really think that's funny. You're awful, you know that?_
Same to you. "I'm so excited for this movie. Have you seen it before?"
**"I haven't, but I've heard a lot about it. I'm not gonna spoil anything but... I think you'll really like it."**
_As if he knows what you'd like. He's barely known you for a week._
**"Oh, I've got a surprise for you!"**
_What's he pulling out? A gun to shoot you with, or similar, no doubt. I would just run._
**"Here you go. I thought you would like it."**
Red... how'd he know red was my favorite?
_Obviously he's been asking people about you. Your friends, maybe, trying to get as much information as possible, so that when he breaks you, it hurts all the more_
It's so beautiful... I've never seen a bright red seashell before.
**"Do you like it?"**
_He thinks you hate it._
"I love it. It's amazing. Thank you so much." This is the best gift I've ever received.
_Why are you crying? It's just a seashell. You can find them all over the place. Broken, ugly seashells._
But this one is whole... "Where did you get this?"
**"I was walking on the beach the other night and saw it. I thought of you immediately."**
"Why did you think of me?"
_Obviously he saw how ugly it was._
**"Well, turn it over. Do you see that crack? It's so hidden, you can barely tell, but it's there."**
"Um... Oh, I see."
_Hah! So he sees an imperfection and thinks of you. Makes sense._
**"Now I know what you're thinking, but just bear with me. It looks perfect on the outside, but there's this crack in it. Most people aren't going to see it. But there's a million other seashells like this, I'm sure. I mean, I don't think there's any that are quite as beautiful, but the shape and everything... it's all the same. The crack is what makes it different. Makes it special. You try to hide it, but I think the crack is really interesting. It tells a story."**
_I have no idea what this guy is saying, but it's definitely stupid._
**"Ugh, I'm sorry, you're offended by that, aren't you? Forget I said anything."**
"No, I... that's the sweetest thing anyone's ever said to me."
_WOW, that's the sweetest thing anyone's ever said to you? That's just sad_.
"Thank you so much. You're my favorite person."
_Hey, are you even listening?_
**"I'm so glad you like it."**
_Stop ignoring me._
**"I know we've only been dating for a few days now but.. I feel like I've know you for a lifetime. I just want to get to know you more."**
He's amazing. "I want to get to know you more, too."