Emulation refers to imitating something with the intention to equal or excel. Writers use emulation to try new styles and play with language.
In his poem, "The Trouble With Poetry," poet laureate Billy Collins wrote that poets have " the longing to steal,/
to break into the poems of others/ with a flashlight and a ski mask. " Even accomplished poets like Billy Collins emulate the writing of others for ideas.
"Annoying" by Mrs. Falconer
Sticky syrup seeping from the partially closed lid like a tarry, miry ooze trapping fingers instead of animals. Tactless drivers taking two parking spaces for their prehistoric rusting heaps like a Sumo wrestler on an airplane. Shrill whistling coming from a "musician," blissfully unaware of his off-key torture that pierces the eardrums like a drill. And gum. Yes, gum. Did I mention gum? Slimy blobs of slippery blubber chewed like a cow's cud, and looking every bit as disgusting. Popping, sticking, smacking, cracking gum. Like a clam, perhaps these irritations serve to create beautiful pearls of patience, but I doubt it. |
Someone emulating my poem might notice that I:
-have some parallel structure. -started each new stanza (or chunk) with two words. -the second line of the first three stanzas starts with an -ing word. -used alliteration (sticky syrup seeping / tactless, taking two) -ended each stanza with a simile -I saved the thing that annoys me the most for last. -used repetition to emphasize how much I HATE gum :). -changed the structure of the last stanza to emphasize the irritated tone, making it sound more like a ranting person. -used repetition of -ing words -put gum on a line by itself to make it stand out. -concluded with humor |
Practice |
Read the poems below and their emulated poems--look at how the writers imitated the same structure and style choices as the original authors.
You may choose to emulate one of the poems below, or you may choose another poem from the emulation drop-down menu--make it your own by changing the tone, topic, or phrasing while keeping the author's structure and style.
You may choose to emulate one of the poems below, or you may choose another poem from the emulation drop-down menu--make it your own by changing the tone, topic, or phrasing while keeping the author's structure and style.