A found poem uses language discovered in a non-poetic context and turns it into poetry. Writing found poetry is like creating a collage of language, the way a visual artist might use scraps of paper, cloth, feathers, or other objects to produce something new and beautiful.
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Below are two poems by Al Fogel, which use texts from the Veteran's Benefits Administration almost verbatim. Mr. Fogel has told us that "Headstone Service" and "VA Automobile" are "about 99% pure." In "pure" found poetry, the poet may add line breaks but does not change or omit the actual words.
Headstone Service
(from Directory Of VA Benefits)
Headstone or
grave marker
furnished
upon request
to any member
of the
Armed Forces
whose last
tour of service
was terminated honorably
by death
Headstone provided without
cost
VA Automobile
(from Directory Of VA Benefits)
A veteran who suffered a service-connected loss
of one hand or one foot
or one knee or one hip
or permanent loss of use of
one hand or one foot
or permanent impairment of vision
of both eyes
is entitled to an Automobile
Payment up to $9,000 provided
--excluding adaptive equipment
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