Headline Poems
Here is a poem by William Plomer. It uses headlines, or sentences in headline style, to construct a poem. This creative writing exercise can be used in conjunction with a study of the langauge of headlines.
HEAD LINE HISTORY
GRAVE CHARGES IN MAYFAIR BATHROOM CASE,
ROMAN REMAINS FOR MIDDLE WEST,
GOLFING BISHOP CALLS FOR PRAYERS,
HOW MURDERED BRIDE WAS DRESSED.
BOXER INSURES HIS JOIE-DE-VIVRE,
DUCHESS DENIES THAT VAMPS ARE VAIN,
DO WOMEN MAKE GOOD WIVES?
GIANT AIRSHIP OVER SPAIN.
SOPRANO SINGS FOR FORTY HOURS,
COCKTAIL BAR ON MOORING MAST,
"NOISE, MORE NOISE!" POET'S LAST WORDS,
COMPULSORY WIRELESS BILL IS PASSED.
ALLEGED LAST TRUMP BLOWN YESTERDAY,
TRAFFIC DROWNS CALL TO QUICK AND DEAD,
CUP TIE CROWD SEES HEAVENS OPE,
"NOT END OF WORLD", SAYS WELL-KNOWN RED.
William Plomer
