We are at the three-minute mark and are introduced to future time-traveler (no pun or foreshadowing intended) Marty McFly. Can you picture the movie with each poem? If you watched the classic 1985 flick as much as I have, I’m sure you can.
As mentioned before, I’m participating in the Slice of Life Challenge, where we are expected to write something every day for the month of March. So far, I’ve lost more subscribers than gained. How’s that for a boost of confidence?
Since I’m choosing not to write snippets of any of my novels or short stories, I’m instead challenging myself with exercises, as grandiose or minuscule as they may be, such as taking a movie and putting it all in haiku. The whole movie. All in haiku.
Writers need to be cognizant of diction and the economy of words. Since I’m less than five minutes into the movie, I can’t say for certain, but an exercise like this helps with both. Diction is careful consideration of word choice, and the latter is only using the number of words necessary. For example, the word “that” is rarely necessary.
Just FYI for the writers out there.
And now, back to the program…
with a skateboard in
toe, Marty disgusted by
plops of canned dog food
walks past chiming clocks
and wonders what’s going on
sets down yellow-wheeled
board, backpack on top
unintentional heel kick
pushes skateboard over
across the cement
into a handle with care
case beneath the bed
unaware, Marty
cranks amplifier to high
dials flick to right
plink, plink, dials and knobs
green light, filament switches
primary power
electric buzzing
knobs clicking to one hundred
Erlewine guitar
plugged and ignited
with a few final switches
holds glimmering pick
before towering
amp and with a thunderous
massive strum sends him
flying backward as
overload showers around
Marty on his back
I said before this is going to be challenging, but I’m convinced it’s a good exercise. Not only with word choice and economy but observation. If you can write a haiku from scenes in a movie, you can write hundreds from your front porch or backdoor patio. Give it a try, and don’t hesitate to share.
Dream Out Loud,
rg
P.S. Still under five minutes.