Sequence of activities:

Discussion:

We're going to explore ekphrasis. What is ekphrasis, you ask? Most simply it can be defined as a verbal description of a work of art.

We are going to focus on giving voice to a mute object.

Step one: Choose a picture or art piece in your home that is meaningful to you. If you are unable to find an image, you can use Lori Nelson's "Future Youth." 

Step two: On a piece of paper, brainstorm reasons why the chosen object is meaningful to you.

Questions to consider:

• What would this image say if it could speak for itself?
• What story does the image tell?

Step four: Write a poem as if you were the voice to the chosen item. You can draw inspiration from the persona poetry form.

Image shows Nuestra Señora de la Iguanas by Graciela Iturbide