1. C.W. “War at Sea” or “Camp Life” Shape Poetry
Bluebellies vs. Butternuts

2. What’s a Shape Poem?
A form of poetry in which the shape or design helps express the meaning or feeling of the poem.
exp. if the poem is about a tree, it would be shaped like a tree
uses simple objects for the shapes.
exp. hearts, houses, animals, etc.
The arrangement of letters and words creates an image that offers the meaning visually.

3. Let's have a look at an example of a true shape poem and everything should fall into place.

4. The effects that the light bulb has on us are contained in the shape of the bulb, thus blending text and its effect on us in a visual pun. 4

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6. Hope you're inspired because now it's time for you to create an original C.W. shape poem.
Think of a C.W. “War at Sea” or “Camp Life” topic that you would like to write about.
Make a sketch of the idea that you would like to write about. Such as an ironclad ship, The Hunley sub, a sailor’s hat, rations, cartridge box, haversack, tent… 6

7. Think of descriptive words, and figurative language that best describe your topic. Use our readings “War at Sea” “Hunley” Dispatch #’s 4,10, 14 “Camp Life” “The Soldiers” video segments & “Rebel Foot Soldier”
Think about what you want to say or convey about your subject. What is interesting about your subject.
Think about varying the words you use, the shape and sizes of letter forms and how to position them on the page.
Does it really paint a clear picture of your topic?

8. Requirements
Shape & meaning must be relating to a C.W. soldier’s experience during his War at Sea or Camp Life.
Words of poem no less than 7-8 sentences/stanzas each when written out normally.
Title conveys meaning of poem. Do not name your poem the shape. EX: “The Bloody Blue Crucible of Courage” instead of “The Union Rifle” or “A Rebel’s Best Friend” instead of “A Southern Soldier’s Boots”

9. Examples…