"How To" Poems

The poems that are labeled the “how to” poems have a lot of potential in my opinion. There is so much you could do with them. For example, they can be perfectly satirical to be able to convey a message. When I wrote my “how to” poem, I turned it into a joke about my culture. I was able to look upon the stereotypes of being Persian and turn them into something funny and amusing. I also think they could be turned into political messages that might be able to convey more to our politicians. One example of this is Dr. Seuss. He wrote his children’s stories in particular rhymes that would be fun for the child to read, however with most stories there was a political undertone. The story, The Butter Battle Book, is all about the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. The Butter Battle Book, perhaps the most controversial of all his books, was written in response to the arms buildup and nuclear war threat during the Reagan administration. Published in 1984, Butter Battle sheds light on the growing threat of war between the Yooks and the Zooks. The threat stems solely from the way Yooks and Zooks choose to eat their bread: butter-side up and butter-side down, respectively. Similarly, the story, Yertle The Turtle, was a social commentary against absolute monarchies as a form of government. Honestly, writing “how to” poems opens up so many possible opportunities to express higher meanings. You’re able to express what you actually think in a healthy manner.

Like the poem we read in class that was a simple recipe for bread soup, it was appealing because the final lines wrapped up the entire poem and it was beautifully quaint. The poem in all its simplicity has a heavy meaning.

*Donya Botkan*