Explore the poetic tool of repetition to generate new meanings and return power to words.

Your Task

1. Choose a word or phrase (2 minutes). Pick one that you feel emotional about. Something you like, detest, or aspire to. Something that annoys you or makes you tick.
2. Write it repeatedly (5 minutes). Type or write the chosen word or phrase several times. Pay attention to how it sounds, looks, and feels.
3. Experiment with parts of the word (5 minutes). Try repeating just a part of it—a syllable, root, or sound. Be playful. 
4. Add new words or associations (5 minutes). Combine the repeated words with other words that come to mind, even if they seem unrelated or surprising. Repeat them as well. 
5. Observe (3 minutes). Notice if and how repetition influences the meaning. Does it generate rhythm, images, new ideas, or feelings?
6. Create a short piece (20 minutes). Use the material you created and your observations to write a short poem, paragraph, or reflection. Don’t worry about “making sense”, follow the echo of the words.

Reflection

• Did repeating the word or phrase give it a new sense of power or meaning?