Composed Elements

I want to get back into taking writing classes. Sometimes after working 10-12 hour days, going to the gym, scarfing down some food while watching an episode of “The Office,” I’m just too tired to start writing on my own. Last year, I was lucky enough to go part-time at my job and take a couple of writing classes. It’s just fun to write and have people read your work and critique it (as scary as that is). (It’s also fun to work part-time). I need that extra structured push to get me back into the habit of writing. Anyhow, in my class we had done a “found poem” exercise. It’s where you find any text (could be on a cereal box, in a magazine, etc.) and use the same words, cut it up any way you want and make it into a new poem. I had a really good time making it. Below is a poem I did and after that is the original text.

The Rush

The promise of excitement,
You get up as fast as you can.
It is inviting.
It is perfect.
You can feel the glow pulsing,
Ever so light.
Bounce around mentally and physically.
The rush is slowly appearing.
An ecstasy so good,
You just want to be out there.

Original Text: “The Ultimate Guide to Surfing”

The promise of a new swell means excitement and expectation. You get up when it’s still dark, quickly wolf down some fruit for instant, pure energy and, as fast as you can, you get yourself to the beach. Down there it is cold, the beach is empty. But the water is warm or at least somehow inviting. It is a perfect honey-coloured dawn and you can almost feel the glow pulsing off the shoreline. There is a slight breeze, ever so light and blowing from the land out to sea. A short wetsuit is all you need – short legs and short arms. It is flexible and it keeps the breeze off. You zip it up, and bounce around on the sand in your bare feet. You’re getting ready, mentally and physically, and though you may still feel sleepy and half of you wishes you were still in your bed, you know the first rush of water will wash it all away. The sun is slowly appearing over the edge of the sea and golden reflections light the cresting waves. Wax. You need some wax. An ecstasy of fumbling as you scrabble desperately through your bag. The waves are looking so good, and there still no one around. You can’t do it fast enough; you just want to be out there. A few brisk rubs with the wax and your board is primed.